(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, in association with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, will host a Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This community celebration will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center, located at 3050 East Los Angeles Avenue. The festival is free and open to the public.
Gina Truncale, President of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, noted the event’s significance. “This inaugural event offers Simi Valley residents and surrounding communities an opportunity to come together to appreciate and celebrate the beautiful Hispanic and Latino culture,” she said.
The festival will present a rich variety of activities, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures. Here’s a breakdown of what attendees can expect:
Community Corner
Visitors can participate in various community art projects, including making clay sugar skulls and contributing to a community mural. Art Trek will also offer free face painting for children and families.
Film Screening: “Translators”
The Mainstage Theater will host multiple screenings of the documentary short “Translators.” This film, presented by U.S. Bank, tells the story of three immigrant families who rely on their children to navigate language barriers in their everyday lives. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the day.
Traditional Oaxacan Weaving Demonstrations
The DownStage Theater will feature live demonstrations of traditional Oaxacan weaving by artist Benita Martinez, using her 100-year-old loom. Martinez, a local artist from Moorpark, will share the history and techniques of this unique art form.
Live Performances and Cultural Exhibits
The Rancho Simi Valley Parks and Recreation District Mobile Stage will host various performances. Highlights include Danza Azteca’s blessing ceremony, traditional dances from Grupo Folklorico Cielito Lindo de Simi Valley, and storytelling by Diana Cabral. Attendees can also enjoy salsa dance lessons from Jose Hernandez with Salseros LA and a performance by Teatro Campesino from CSUN.
Art Exhibits and Vendors
The Gary Thomas Gallery will feature a group art exhibit curated by Liliaflor, showcasing works by Hispanic and Latino artists. Additionally, over 40 artisan vendors will sell handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and clothing. Food vendors will offer a range of Hispanic and Latin American dishes, giving attendees a taste of the diverse culinary traditions.
Support from the Community
The festival is supported by a range of local businesses and organizations, including Vallarta Supermarkets, Elvira’s Mexican Grill, Florecer Family Counseling, and many others. It is also funded in part through a grant from the City of Simi Valley’s Community Projects Grant.
For more information about the Hispanic Heritage Festival, visit Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center or email [email protected].
