Many remember this month for the food, live performances, music and artwork that connects Latinos to their roots and heritage. This annual observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30 day period, later enacted into law on August 17 of that same year. Five Latino countries celebrate their independence on September 15: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively.
On September 16, Chula Vista’s Mayor Mary Castillas Salas, along with Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas, hosted a celebration at the new Friendship Park Deck at the Chula Vista Library. A commemoration of the traditional “Grito” led by the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Carlos Gonzales Gutierrez, marked the 211 year anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. “This is the date on which Mexicans, in Mexico and around the world, reproduce a rite that gives us identity. We have the responsibility to instill in our children that pride in the culture that gives us identity and that gives them identity. Especially those of us who live abroad, we require these types of opportunities to be able to transmit our love for the country of their origins” Consul Gonzales Gutierrez said.
Many celebrations were cancelled last year due to the ongoing global pandemic. With Chula Vista’s transmission rates ranking at 14.3 according to case rate data released by the county, this event took all the necessary measures required to maintain a safe environment. “All the adaptations that were made because of COVID to keep the people safe was worth it, we had to limit the number of people attending and required proof of vaccination as well as temperature checks upon entry. Hopefully next year we can have a community event where anybody can come to share this wonderful experience. I really appreciate the Consul General of Mexico being here. It was absolutely beautiful and it was an affirmation of the beauty of our culture,” Mayor Salas said.
The event showcased dance performances from Mexican Ballet Folklórico followed by a dinner celebration. “We talk about Chula Vista being a welcoming city. We talk about Chula Vista being inclusive. This is how we show that. We show it by actually encouraging people to learn more about our cultures and to make space for them,” Councilwoman Cardenas said.
