Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

The City of Santa Barbara celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the vibrant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. A proclamation was presented at the October 1, 2024, City Council meeting and accepted by the La Bella Vida Senior Club.
 

About National Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

For more information, visit National Hispanic American Heritage Month, a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

City Events
The Santa Barbara Public Library is pleased to present “Raíces y Sueños: Celebrating Hispanic Immigrant Culture.” This special series of events will highlight the stories and traditions of Hispanic immigrants in our community.

PROCLAMATION 
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 
SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 15, 2024 

WHEREAS, in 1968 President Lyndon Johnson recognized the observance of Hispanic Heritage Week, and in 1988 President Ronald Regan expanded the annual observance by proclaiming National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, a period that encompasses multiple Latin American independence days; and 
 

WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino groups from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous, African, and European roots, play a fundamental role in shaping the Santa Barbara community through their values, traditions, and contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city; and 
 

WHEREAS, the Santa Barbara Public Library, local schools, area businesses, nonprofits, and organizations throughout our community will honor Hispanic Heritage Month with special programs, exhibits, and efforts to raise awareness of and uplift Hispanic voices, talents, accomplishments, and lived experiences; and 
 

WHEREAS, La Bella Vida Senior Club, a local Hispanic I Latino organization, exemplifies the opportunity to celebrate these traditions by providing a safe and enriching space for seniors to gather and participate in programs that empower and uplift their lives through daily traditional and cultural social gatherings, group art projects, dance, and exercise classes; 
 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RANDY ROWSE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Santa Barbara do hereby proclaim September 15-0ctober 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Santa Barbara, and encourage community members to participate in the numerous cultural events, activities, and programs that celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of our Hispanic I Latino community.