The City of Inglewood hosts its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival

Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. The month-long celebration honors the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the country. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, many cities and communities organize events and the City of Inglewood, whose population is made up of almost 50% Latinos, is one of them. 

The City of Inglewood is hosting its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 21. The special event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be free and open to all attendees. 

The festival will feature various forms of live entertainment, including a classic car show, live bands and music, small business vendor booths, activities for children and families, health screenings, a food court and more. 

The observation of National Hispanic Heritage began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under former United States President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan. In 1988, Reagan approved covering a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, according to the National Archives and Records Administration.

The festival will take place in downtown Inglewood on Market Street and will feature the band Corazon de Maná, a Los Angeles-based tribute band composed of five rock en español fanatics who joined forces because of their appreciation for Mexico's beloved rock legends, including Maná. The band was founded by Armando Vega, the lead vocalist. 

Another band performing that day is Clave Dura, a Puerto Rican and Colombian band crafting a fusion of salsa, cumbia, merengue and bachata. The band draws influences from Oscar de'Leon, Celia Cruz and Marc Anthony, among others. Clave Dura has also performed alongside such live acts as Tito Rojas, Wichy Camacho, Luisito Carrión, Willie Panama, Michael Stewart, Yasser Ramos, Don Sonero, Frankie Ruiz Jr., Renzo Padilla, Paquito Acosta and Luisito Rosario.

One of the most anticipated bands also performing in September’s festival is Tierra. Tierra, the R&B vocal group, started their career in East Los Angeles with a blend of rock, pop, jazz and salsa. Since its founding in 1972, Tierra has released hit songs such as "Together," "Gonna Find Her,” "Memories" and "Zoot Suit Boogie." The band has performed at Carnegie Hall, the American Music Awardss, American Bandstand and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. In 2020, the band experienced true devastation when leader and founder Rudy Salas passed away of COVID-19 and the band's co-founder and brother Steve Salas passed away in 2022.  

Tierra has also supported and opened doors for other Latino and non-Latino superstars of today, including comedian Paul Rodriguez, Arsenio Hall, Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, Los Lobos, Latino Comic of the Year Rudy Moreno and more.

The mistress of ceremonies at the City of Inglewood’s Hispanic Heritage Festival will be Carolina “Caro” Marquez from Latin Pop KLLI (Cali 93.9).  Marquez joined Cali 93.9 as a morning co-host when the station launched in 2019. Marquez has also worked at KXOL (Mega 96.3) and was a producer at LATV and a reporter for MTV3.

For additional information about the festival, call the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (310) 412-8750 or visit www.cityofingiewood.org.