Pasadena Marks Hispanic Heritage Month With Dozens of Socially-Distanced Events

Pasadena city officials have lined up a month of events, from art displays and community craft projects to virtual lectures, performances and book discussions, to celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Pasadena Public Library and the Latino Heritage Committee are spearheading the cultural commemoration, in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.

A wide variety of activities and exhibits are being provided in socially distanced forms, organizers said. There are events planned for adults, teens and families, alike.

Public Exhibit:

• “Metamorphosis,” by artist Dr. Patricia Jessup-Woodlin, celebrates Día de Los Muertos. It will be displayed from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 in the northwest windows of the Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Community Events and Activities for Adults:

• Workshop – Spanish Conversation Group

Want to practice and improve your spoken Spanish? Join this conversational Spanish group now on Zoom! Volunteers and attendees help you to make personal progress and provide lots of practice speaking in Spanish. For all adults of any Spanish-speaking level. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Thursdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29, 2:30-5 p.m., Zoom

• Demonstration – Quarantine Quitchen, The Art of Mexican Cooking

Learn step-by-step recipes and traditions for authentic Mexican cuisine. Recipes available after the online program. Call Hastings Branch Library at (626) 744-7262 to get yours. Presented bilingually. Join in on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

Friday, Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m., Instagram

• Book Discussion – Pasadena Reads Book Club: “AfterLife” by Julia Alvarez

Meet to discuss “AfterLife” by Julia Alvarez. “Afterlife” explores the complexities of familial devotion and tragedy against a backdrop of a world in crisis, and the ways in which we struggle to maintain hope, faith, compassion and love. Copies are available through hoopla using your Pasadena Public Library card: https://www.hoopladigital.com/. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m., Zoom

• Workshop – Crafts with Tosh and Tiff

Join and learn how to make delicious traditional Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, Red Rice and  Arroz Rojo. Join in on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

Monday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m., Instagram

• Book Discussion – Virtual Hill Avenue Book Club: “Slum Virgin” by Gabriela Cabezon Camara

Join in celebrating this Hispanic Heritage Month event and discuss “Slum Virgin” by Gabriela Cabezon Camara. Densely-packed, fast-paced prose, weaving slang and classical references, “Slum Virgin” refuses to whitewash the reality of the poor and downtrodden, and jumps deftly from tragedy to comedy in a way that has the reader laughing out loud. Copies of this title are available through hoopla using your Pasadena Public Library card: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12441390. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Zoom

• Lecture – Hispanic Influence on California Architecture

Spanish-influenced architecture is one of the great Latino contributions to American culture, with millions of examples from California to Florida, built by tens of millions of people over the last 400 years. This presentation focuses on how the Spanish/Hispanic/Latino architectural design vocabulary evolved over 1,000 and four continents, and how it has been employed in Pasadena. It examines numerous local examples, including the San Gabriel Mission, Castle Green, the Caltech campus, the Civic Center, 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival houses built by George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, and many others, along with more recent Hispanic inflected projects such as the Del Mar Station. Presented by Dave Nufer, program developer and docent with Pasadena Heritage and the Los Angeles Conservancy. The son of a mid-century modern builder, he has previously given talks at the library on “The Asian Roots of Pasadena Arts and Crafts Architecture,” and “200 Years of Black Pioneers in Pasadena and Los Angeles.” Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m., Zoom

• Book Discussion – Hispanic Heritage Month and One City, One Story Selections & Nominees, 2002 – 2020

One City, One Story has represented our Pasadena community’s Hispanic Heritage through its selections of books and their authors. Join us as we discuss them. If you have missed reading the selections, check them out at the Pasadena Public Library and pick them up at our curbside pickup service. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

2002 Nominee

“Tortilla Curtain” by T. Coraghessan Boyle.

2005 Nominee

“Carmelo” by Sandra Cisneros.

2006 Nominee

“Gonzalez and Daughter Trucking Co.” by Maria Amparo Escandon.

2008 Nominee & 2009 Selection

“The Hummingbird’s Daughter” by Luis Alberto Urrea.

2012 Nominee

“Madonnas of Echo Park” by Brando Skyhorse.

2015 Selection

“The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m., Zoom

• Workshop – Crafts with Tosh and Tiff

Tosh and Tiff will show you how to make Papel Picado to celebrate Día De Los Muertos. Join thm on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

Monday, Oct. 26, 3 p.m., Instagram

• Demonstration – “Concinando con El Cholo” Sabor Latino

Enjoy a cooking demonstration highlighting a delicious cultural dish. You will receive the recipe beforehand so you can follow along. Pre-recorded. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.

Community Events and Activities for Teens:

• Teen Activity – Loteria Game Night

Join virtual Loteria. For ages 15+. Registration required. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Friday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., Zoom

• Teen Activity – Virtual YA Book Club: “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” by Erika Sánchez

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, join a discussion of the book, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika Sánchez. Reading the book is not required to attend the meeting, but you will get a fuller discussion experience if you read the book. For teens only. To sign up, go to: http://pasadena.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=3254

Thursday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m., Zoom

Community Events and Activities for Families:

• Children’s Activity – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Social Media Storytime

Join in as they share books by Hispanic and Latino American creators.

  ? Preschool Storytime

    For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Join on Facebook at facebook.com/pasadenalibrary.

    Monday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m., Facebook

  ? Toddler Storytime

     For ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Join on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

     Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m., Instagram

  ? Preschool Storytime

     For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Join on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

     Thursday, Oct. 1, 3 p.m., Instagram

  ? American Sign Language (ASL)

    Join on Instagram at @pasadenalibrary.

     Friday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m., Instagram

• Family Activity – A Taste of Fiesta La Pintoresca

Get a taste of our upcoming annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with INCA the Peruvian Ensemble along with special craft instructions. Pick up your craft materials during curbside hours while supplies last. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/pasadenalibrary. To view the recorded performance afterward visit facebook.com/pasadenalibrary.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m., Facebook

• Children’s Activity – Lucha Libros

Second graders join the fun and the start of our bilingual Spanish/English book bonanza! Meet us on Zoom to learn about the Lucha Libros reading competition, create a Lucha Libre mask, and take a sample Kahoot quiz. Then you will check out our book for October, and return each month on the third Wednesday to answer questions about the books we read and earn points and prizes. To sign up go to: https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=3074.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:15 p.m., Zoom

• Event – Latino Heritage Scavenger Hunt

Explore Pasadena on a scavenger hunt featuring clues highlighting Pasadena locations of significance to the Latino community. Local dignitaries will deliver the clues by video clips. Prizes will be awarded! Pre-recorded. For more information, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – Saturday, Oct. 17

• Children’s Activity – “Lil’ Libros” Loteria for Children

Join us for Virtual Loteria. For children ages 3+. Registration required. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m., Zoom

• Children’s Activity – Nathalia Sings

Listen and dance to original Spanish/English bilingual songs from Nathalia. Great for toddlers, kids and the whole family! Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/pasadenalibrary.

Monday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., Facebook

• Family Activity- Take and Make Crafts inspired by Hispanic Heritage

Reserve a craft online at www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net<http://www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net> from Monday, Oct. 5 – Thursday, Oct. 8, then pick it up at a branch of your choice, take it home to create and have fun! You will receive an email when your crafts are ready for pickup!

Monday Oct. 5 – Thursday Oct. 8

• Children’s Activity – Preschool Storytime Online! Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Join us as we share family-friendly stories, songs and make an easy craft for little hands. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m., Zoom

• Children’s Activity – Spanish Storytime/Hora de Cuentos en Español

Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/pasadenalibrary. Special focus on Hispanic Heritage related books. For ages 2-5.

Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 21 & 28, 4 p.m., Facebook

• Children’s Activity – Lil’ Libros Bilingual Storytime

Enjoy a bilingual storytime featuring “Lil’ Libros Super Torta” read by author and illustrator Eric Ramos. For more information, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.

• Family Activity – South American Adventure

Join us for an interactive, musical, and multicultural storytelling adventure where audiences experience the geography, music, cultures, legends, and languages south of the USA. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Monday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m., Zoom

• Family Activity – Amate Painting

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about a traditional Mexican folk art, Amate paintings, then find out how to make your own Amate paintings at home! For elementary kids and their families. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Zoom

• Event – Fiesta La Pintoresca

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month virtually at our annual Fiesta La Pintoresca celebration featuring a live performance by INCA the Peruvian Ensemble. Band members will be available after the performance to answer questions. A special craft will be available while supplies last and may be picked up beforehand at the library during curbside hours. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m., Zoom

• Workshop – Making Sugar Skulls

Discover the significance of sugar skulls in Mexican culture and how you can make your own using supplies at home. This program will be pre-recorded and posted to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/pasadenalibrary). It will be available for viewing after 10 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m., YouTube

• Children’s Activity – Celebrating Our Heritage

Join us for a special program celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with traditional stories, music and crafts. For preschoolers, parents, and child care providers. Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup.

Thursday Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m., Zoom

• Event – “Best of” Compilation of Past Latino Heritage Parade Hits

Enjoy viewing a compilation of videos from past Latino Heritage parades explaining the history and significance of the parade. Fan favorite clips from past parades will be presented in a “best of” celebration. Pre-recorded. For more information, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.

• Family Activity – Arts and Crafts with Mercadito Monarca

Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with an arts and crafts project. Kits will be available for pick-up while supplies last. Participants will make the craft along with virtual instruction. Registration required. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.

• Family Activity – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Drive-In Movie Celebration

Bring the family and enjoy watching Disney’s “Coco” from the comfort of your car. The film will start at dusk. Registration is required. For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/ or call (626) 744-6530.

Friday, Oct. 30, Dusk

Film Series:

The October film selections celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Movies are available on Pasadena Public Library hoopla anytime you wish. Log in to hoopla using your email and password and then select “Pasadena Public Library” and enter your 14-digit library card number.

• Frida (2002) R

A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work.

• In the Time of Butterflies (2001) PG-13

The story is a fictionalized account for the lives of the Mirabal sisters, Dominican revolutionary activists, who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo and were assassinated on Nov. 25, 1960.

• Like Water For Chocolate (1993) R

When tradition prevents her from marrying the man she loves, a young woman discovers she has a unique talent for cooking.

• Mexico (1996) NR

Using text from Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes and ancient Aztec and Mayan poetry, Mexico leads viewers on a visual journey through this country’s rich and varied past and present.

More information is available online at pasadenapubliclibrary.net or cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/.