cwbayarea.com celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to explore and celebrate the diverse and rich cultures of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed that the second week of September be recognized as "Hispanic Heritage Week." He encouraged educators to spread the word.

Twenty years later, lawmakers decided to expand the celebration to thirty days. Hispanic Heritage Month is designed to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua each claimed their independence.

Mexico and Chile followed on September 16th and 18th, respectively, while La Dia de la Raza (also known as Columbus Day to Americans) is celebrated two days before the end of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Literally "The Day of the Race," it commemorates the ethnic and cultural influences that make Hispanic heritage so distinctive and colorful.

According to the Census Bureau, almost 15 percent of the U.S. population identifies with the term Hispanic. Yet most Americans know little about Latino and Latina history. Dedicating a month to the celebration of cultures that increasingly influence American society teaches us to not only understand, but also to reclaim, the unique identities of an ethnic mosaic that exists in the United States



EVENTS

Fiesta at the Mission Branch Library
Mission Branch Library
300 Bartlett Street, San Francisco
September 13, 2008, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Featuring live music by "Futuro Picante," slideshows, and exhibits. Free.


Mariachi and Latin Music Festival
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
September 7-28, 2008

The 17th Annual Mariachi Festival showcases Mexican culture, cuisine, and music.
http://sanjosemariachifestival.com/


Viva Las Americas!
Pier 39
San Francisco
September 17, noon-5:00pm

Pier 39 will host dance performances, arts, crafts and music, including a performance by Orquesta la Moderna Tradicion. Free.
http://www.pier39.com.

 
15th Annual Dias de los Muertos
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA
October 8-December 2

The Oakland museum will feature a tribute to the Mexican/Central American "Dias de los Muertos," a tradition honoring the dead.  Guest curator and Hayward artist/educator Fernando Hernandez titled the exhibition "Evolution of a Sacred Space: Dias de los Muertos 2008" to convey how the spiritual tradition has changed since its pre-Columbian roots.
A Dias de los Muertos Community Celebration will be held on October 25, offering craft activities, food, costumed performers, and a ceremonial procession into the museum gardens. The celebration will take place from noon to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.
http://www.museumca.org


Raiders Football con Sabor Latino!
McAfee Coliseum
Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 1:05pm

The NFL will celebrate Hispanic History month at the Raiders vs. Chargers game on Sunday, September 28. The game will feature unprecedented festivities, including special pre-game and halftime entertainment in honor of Hispanic heritage.
http://www.raiders.com