Papel picado has arrived in the Mission — ushering in a season of Latinx celebration.
This week, Ricardo Peña, 53, stood atop an orange boom lift, carefully tying long strings of papel picado to a pole, adding yet another row to the colorful array fluttering above several blocks of 24th Street. The vibrant display, commissioned by the nonprofit Calle 24, pays tribute to the street as the historic commercial corridor and heart of the Latinx cultural district.
“This is what the community loves to see,” said Peña, owner of Mixcoatl, a small business specializing in authentic Indigenous handmade jewelry. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most beautiful times of the year.”
As the Mission gears up for a packed schedule of events leading to November’s Día de los Muertos, vibrant decorations and flyers are popping up across the district, inviting residents to connect with their heritage.
With Latin American independence celebrations and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, it can be hard to keep up with all the festivities. To help, El Tecolote has compiled a list of can’t-miss parties, poetry readings, film screenings and workshops that celebrate the many facets of Latinx arts and culture.
Parties and celebrations
Saturday, Sept. 14
Danzantes, ballet folklórico and mariachi will abound at this annual celebration of Mexican culture hosted by the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA). There will be food, drinks, vendors, a rebozo contest and an art exhibit, along with a special appearance from Ana Luisa Vallejo, the Mexican General Consul in San Francisco.
Where: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. San Francisco, CA
When: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 15
San Francisco’s annual El Grito de Independencia celebration is set to bring families and friends together at the Civic Center Plaza to celebrate one of Mexico’s most important holidays. Hosted by the Mexican Consulate in collaboration with city organizations, the event promises an afternoon packed with lucha libre and folkloric dances, mariachi and a Mexican food night market. A flag-raising is scheduled for 8 p.m., with Mayor London Breed as the event’s guest of honor.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 355 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA
What time: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Festival de independencia Salvadoreña
Gathering from all corners of the Bay Area dressed in blue and white, the Salvadoran community will come together to celebrate their independence and honor their culture and traditions in a daylong festival in Marin County. Now in its 11th year, the family-friendly event will feature performances from many musical artists, traditional food like pupusas and chicken on the grill, Salvadoran beer, and cultural arts and crafts.
Where: Marin Civic Center, Lagoon Park San Rafael, CA
When: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $44 GA for pre bought tickets, $50 day of the show
* Free Parking and admission for children under 10
Friday, Sept. 20
¡BAILA! Community. Dance. Party
A night full of salsa, bachata and tropical rhythms awaits those who attend La Peña’s community dance party next week in Berkeley. The event will feature live music, two dedicated dance floors, dance classes at 8:00 p.m., and plenty of food and drinks.
Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA
When: 7:30 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Tickets: $15 – 25 at pre-sale, $30 at the door
Saturday, Sept. 21
Calle 24’s annual celebration of Latinx cultures is back on the 21st, promising a Saturday full of music, culture and art —free for all to attend. The family-friendly event, which takes place along 24th Street, from Bryant to Folsom Street, will feature multiple stages for performers and folkloric dances, vendors, live music, lowriders, danzantes and a youth zone. This year’s event will also celebrate Calle 24’s 10th anniversary.
Where: Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, 3250 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
When: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Chilean independence at La Peña’s Fonda out in Berkeley, a gathering for friends and families. The event will feature Chilean food, drinks and music ranging from cumbias and cuecas to reggaeton and other classics.
Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA
When: 7:30 pm – midnight
Tickets: $10 (online), $15 at the door – sold from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., $20 after 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Grammy-nominated band La Cuneta Son Machín, along with other iconic musicians such as Banda Blanca and Carlos Mejía Godoy, will perform their classic hits at this daylong celebration of Nicaraguan culture in Newark’s Swiss Park. The annual fiesta pinolera will also feature marimba, a Palo de Mayo dance contest and traditional Nicaraguan food and drinks.
Where: Swiss Park, 5911 Mowry Avenue, Newark, CA
When: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30 (Presale)
* Free entry for children under 10
Poetry and talks
Saturday, Sept. 14
Flor y Canto Inter-raza Poetry Festival
Across the Bay, the Eastside arts alliance and editorial Xingao/Raza for Gaza will host an afternoon poetry festival in Oakland. The free event celebrates community, justice, liberation and the natural world, with tamales, coffee and agua fresca available. Ten poets will share their words with the audience, and there will be limited open mic spots.
Where: Eastside Cultural Center, 2277 Intl. Blvd, Oakland, CA
When: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30)
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Chile: Overcoming 51 years of Denial with journalist Cristian Opaso
Medicine for Nightmares is organizing a conversation with journalist and writer Cristian Opaso about Chile’s past and future. The evening will reflect on the effects of interventionism and the 1973 coup, as well as resistance and hope for the families of two Americans killed during that time.
Where: Medicine for Nightmares, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Speaking Axolotl; Jozer Guerrero and Xochiquetzal Candelaria
As part of the Speaking Axolotl monthly Latinx reading series, Medicine for Nightmares is featuring poets Jozer Guerrero and Xochiquetzal Candelaria. The event will feature Spanglish poetry and Latinx spoken word. An open mic with 10 slots will be available at 6:50 p.m., for those interested in sharing their verses.
Where: Medicine for Nightmares, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Grito de Lares and Tribute to Dylcia Pagán
To honor El Grito de Lares, Puerto Rico’s uprising against Spanish rule, La Peña will host an evening program featuring a film screening, poetry, a silent auction and musical performances. The event will also pay tribute to Dylcia Pagán, a Boricua former political prisoner and activist.
Where: La Peña Cultural Center. 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA
When: 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Tickets: $10 – $25 sliding scale
Screenings and exhibitions
Ongoing events throughout September
ARTEria del Corazón de Patricia Rodríguez
Renowned muralist and educator Patricia Rodríguez is showcasing some of her artwork at MCCLA’s main gallery, in an exhibition that is set to run until mid-October. A co-founder of Mujeres Muralistas, Rodriguez has previously worked as an educator at multiple Bay Area universities and as a curator for MCCLA in the 2000s.
Where: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. San Francisco, CA
When: Tues. – Fri.: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Sat. – Sun: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tickets: $5
Film SF x SFO National Hispanic Heritage Month screenings
Got a flight to catch and some spare time? The San Francisco Airport Museum is showcasing the work of four Latinx filmmakers this month. From documentaries on Bay Area murals and San Joaquin Valley communities to stories about street musicians and visa processes, the short films highlight struggles and triumphs related to immigration, community and identity.
Where: International Terminal, Departures (pre-security), 780 S Airport Blvd, San Francisco, CA
When: Sept. 5 – Oct. 2; by drop in from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
RAGKO, Untamed Territory: Mapuche Film Screening & Q&A
In Berkeley, La Peña is screening an independent documentary about the Mapuche people, their wisdom and their fight to preserve their culture. The event will also feature a Q&A with Lonko Juanita Millal of the Chol Chol Group of La Granja, who has dedicated her life to uplift the Mapuche cause and is currently seeking political asylum in the Bay Area.
Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705
When: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 – $25 sliding scale fee
Friday, Sept. 27
The Memory of Our Skin: Opening reception
In a photography project connecting communities in Santiago, Chile with those in Half Moon Bay, artist and El Tecolote photojournalist Pablo Unzueta explores responses to traumatic events and shared processes of grief and healing. His work is on display at Acción Latina’s Juan Fuentes Gallery until Nov. 8, and the official opening reception is slated for the last Friday of the month.
Where: Acción Latina, 2958 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Workshops
Friday, Sept. 13
Creative expression, wine and good conversation await at Sip and Paint, part of MCCLA’s Latine Heritage Month series. Art materials, dinner and drinks will be provided at this event, which is hosted by visual artist Eugene Rodríguez.
Where: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission St. San Francisco, CA
When: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Sunday, Sept. 15
Screen Printing with Calixto Robles
Renowned painter, printmaker and sculptor Calixto Robles is running a series of workshops for all ages in collaboration with San Francisco Public Library as part of their celebration of Latinx cultures and traditions. On Sunday, the Oaxacan-born artist will host a screen printing workshop and give insight into his own work, which is inspired by traditional myths, symbols and Indigenous traditions of Mesoamerica.
Where: Portola Branch Library, 380 Bacon St, San Francisco, CA
When: 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Community Mural Arts Education Workshops
For those dreaming of painting a mural like those along 24th Street, Precita Eyes is hosting its monthly mural-making workshop next week. The two-hour class, guided by founder Susan Cervantes, will teach participants how to approach visual storytelling and introduce them to the mural-making process. The workshop is open for those ages 18 and pre-registration is required.
Where: Precita Eyes, 2981 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Tickets: $75, Preregistration link
Did we miss an event? Send us a message at mariana@eltecolote.org and we can add it to this or next month’s roundup!
