Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Hispanic Culture of Los Angeles Lauren Saccone October 10, 2018 Hispanic American Heritage Month, Los Angeles If there’s one American city famous for its Hispanic history and heritage, it’s Los Angeles. The original settlement was founded by Spanish missionaries, who called it “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles” (which translates to “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels”), and dates back to just before the American Revolution. Since then, the area has both witnessed and led the epic history of Hispanic culture in North America. So what better way to celebrate and experience some amazing aspects of Hispanic culture than by checking out what Los Angeles has to offer? The City of Angels has a ton of exciting things to do, see, and experience — all while celebrating the tremendous impact of Hispanic culture. We’ve got the must-see spots to check out in Los Angeles for anyone eager to learn more about Hispanic heritage and history. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Image via Flickr – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Ken Lund Our first stop is at the historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, also known as the Los Angeles Plaza Historic District. It’s the oldest part of the city and is considered to be a living museum, honoring the many cultures that have helped shape Los Angeles into the legendary city it is today. Visitors can stroll through an assortment of historic buildings and learn about important moments in Los Angeles’ past. There are plenty of statues and murals to view as well, making for a rich and fascinating look at history. La Plaza de Cultures y Artes Next, head on over to La Plaza de Cultures y Artes. Although a short distance from Olvera Street, visitors will feel like they’ve entered a whole new world. With a strong focus on celebrating Mexican and Mexican-American culture in Los Angeles, the Plaza offers a ton of interactive exhibits that teach users about the impact Mexican culture had (and continues to have) on Los Angeles. There are plenty of different educational programs to choose from, and regular special events and celebrations, so be sure to check the calendar to see what the day has in store! Olvera Street Image via Flickr – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Ken Lund A short distance away is the supremely popular Olvera Street – and after a short visit, it’s easy to see why this location is so beloved by tourists and locals alike. An outdoor marketplace that’s a feast for the senses, Olvera Street is an immersive look at Hispanic culture in Los Angeles. It’s got tons of amazing local food, seemingly endless shopping, and a variety of museums and exhibits devoted to the celebration of Latinx and Hispanic culture in the City of Angels. Ready to start planning your trip to Los Angeles? Start by finding the cheapest flights! 24th Street Theater This theater company has a big Latinx influence, thanks in no small part to its remarkable Teatro Nuevo Latino Initiative. This program focuses on encouraging more Spanish-speaking audiences to attend the theater and get involved both onstage and off. This community-based program has become a remarkable cross-cultural theatre experience that you won’t want to miss out on. The theater offers everything from intense Spanish-language dramas to delightful Mexican puppet shows. See what’s playing, and be sure not to miss this singular theater experience. Conga Room View this post on Instagram 💃🏽Folk dance of Mexico (ballet folklórico) covers a wide range of Mexican dance forms. Folk dance, despite modernization and other social efforts, has survived. ▪️ #mexico #folkdance #dance #congaroom #latinoheritagemonth #mariachi #aztecas #concheros A post shared by Conga Room (@congaroom) on Sep 27, 2018 at 1:14pm PDT For those who want to bust a move to some killer tunes, the Conga Room is an essential Los Angeles stop. The beloved music venue regularly features Latinx performers and DJs from across the globe. The spot is outfitted with art and sculptures by Hispanic artists, making for a truly unique and utterly unforgettable experience. It’s a fun, mellow vibe that gives you a peek into the glamorous Los Angeles dance scene in a way you never expected. It’s a joyous, downright fun venue that lets you celebrate Latinx culture and music. Check out which artists are playing and get ready to get your groove on!
