District celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15, 2026 | San Diego Community College District
Five women in colorful dresses and a two men dressed as cowboys perform dances at a hispanic heritage celebration.

A Latino/a/e Heritage Month event at San Diego Mesa College (Mesa College photo).

The San Diego Community College District and its four colleges, San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and College of Continuing Education, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with events throughout September and October honoring the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. 

This year’s events span cultural traditions, the arts, education, career exploration, and community. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Monday, September 21

12:30 to 2 p.m.
Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off | RSVP for the kick-off event
Join the LEAD Office and Promise/Retention Team to kick off Latinx Heritage Month with a celebration of culture, community, and the diversity that makes Miramar College special.
Miramar College, K2-Welcome Center, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

Tuesday, September 22

11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Papel Picado: The Significance Across Generations
Create papel picado and learn its significance. Explore the role of art, storytelling, and cultural traditions in preserving family and community histories.
Mesa College, LRC 435, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Wednesday, September 23

11 a.m. to Noon
Matchbox Shrines: Honoring Our Ancestors and Community Heroes
Honor family members, activists, educators, artists, and community leaders who have made a lasting impact by creating miniature shrines that celebrate their lives and legacies.
Mesa College, LRC 435, Room I4-306, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
 
Noon to 2 p.m.
Mask Making
Explore the rich tradition of mask making through a mixed-media, expressive arts experience that encourages creativity, reflection, and personal healing. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own mask.
Mesa College, The Stand K-105, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
 
Noon to 2 p.m.
3rd Annual Carne Asada
Celebrate Miramar College’s Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and its commitment to serving Latina/o/x students at the 3rd Annual Carne Asada.
Miramar College, Compass Point, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

Thursday September 24

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration 
A celebration honoring Hispanic and Latinx cultures, traditions, and contributions while uplifting the diverse experiences of SDCCE students. The event will feature a presentation by Monica Delgadillo Hernandez, executive director of the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center; a performance by Somos La Voz; and poetry by Julie Corrales. Lunch will be provided by ¡SALUD!
College of Continuing Education, Harbor View Campus Multipurpose Room, 1901 Main St., 92113

Monday, September 28

2:30 to 4 p.m.
Zapateado 101 with Mesa’s Ballet Folklorico Club
Learn about traditional Mexican folk dance, music, and cultural traditions while exploring regional dance styles and practicing Zapateado Base, the basic footwork found in many Mexican folk dances.
Mesa College, ES102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Tuesday, September 29

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Breakthrough to Nursing
Explore pathways to a career in nursing by hearing from SDSU nursing students about their experiences and learning about the transfer process, TEAS exam, minimum qualifications, prerequisites, application timeline, and more.
Mesa College, Transfer Center, Conference Room, Room I4-306, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Thursday, October 1

11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Meet Gabe Salazar, ABC 10News Weekend Morning Anchor
Join Mesa’s Intercultural Communication students and ABC 10News Weekend Morning Anchor Gabe Salazar as he shares his experiences in journalism.
Mesa College, SB-118, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Monday, October 5

9:30 to 11 a.m.
Who Am I? Who Can I Become? A Conversation on Leadership, Identity, and Belonging
Join an inspiring conversation featuring women leaders from diverse Ibero-American backgrounds as they share their stories and journeys, inspire a sense of identity and belonging, and explore pathways to future leadership.
Mesa College, AVANZA Engagement Center, Room I4-202, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Tuesday, October 6

11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Community Work: Careers in Chicano/a Studies
Join a plática (conversation) exploring how earning a Chicano/a Studies degree can make an impact in your community. Learn how to turn your education into professional opportunities and make a difference.
Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Wednesday, October 7

2 to 4 p.m.
Medical Spanish Workshop
Learn basic medical expressions in Spanish and practice role-playing medical emergency situations. Designed for beginners, the workshop is open to students preparing for careers in healthcare, medical professionals, patients, community members, and anyone interested in learning Spanish for basic medical communication.
Miramar College, H-105, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

Thursday, October 8

11 a.m. to Noon
Building Bridges for Undocumented Students Through the DSIG Program
Learn how undocumented students can gain work experience and explore available opportunities and resources.
Mesa College - Join the Building Bridges Zoom Meeting

Monday, October 12

2:30 to 4 p.m.
Zapateado 101 with Mesa’s Ballet Folklorico Club
Learn about traditional Mexican folk dance, music, and cultural traditions while exploring regional dance styles and practicing Zapateado Base, the basic footwork found in many Mexican folk dances.
Mesa College, ES102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Tuesday, October 13

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Café con Consejeros
Connect with Latina/o counselors, ask questions, and learn more about the counseling process in a welcoming space. Through conversation and community, students can see themselves represented, build connections, and feel more prepared and confident seeking support.
Miramar College, I-130 Kaleidoscope Student Lounge, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
 
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Conchas & Careers 
Enjoy a concha, a traditional Mexican sweet bread, while applying for seasonal jobs alongside other students. Career & Life Design staff will be available to answer questions and provide support.
Miramar College, L-104 Career & Life Design Services, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Additionally, Miramar College will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Cultural Library Display from September 21 through October 9 in the L-200 Library. The curated collection will feature Latinx books, digital resources, and educational materials celebrating Latinx history, culture, and contributions.

San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges are proudly designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) by the U.S. Department of Education.

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