Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month

Solana Beach proudly joins in celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month! During this special time, we honor the many contributions our Hispanic and Latino communities have made to the history and culture of Solana Beach and the Country.

La Colonia, also known as Eden Gardens, stands as a testament to our shared history, founded in the 1920s by Mexican farmers and remaining one of Solana Beach's oldest neighborhoods. Today, Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our city and the nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more.

Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions this Hispanic Heritage Month!

What is Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.

What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?

Hispanic and Latino are the two most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry. You may often see these terms used interchangeably, but different people understand and use these terms differently. The National Museum of the American Latino uses the term “Latino” to describe the diverse residents of the United States with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. For many, the term "Latino" also creates room for acknowledging Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with European ancestry. The term “Hispanic” is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.