Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, and Metro is celebrating with a new commemorative TAP card, a specially wrapped bus and easy rides to the region’s biggest Mexico Independence Day celebrations.
Observed each year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The month also corresponds with the independence days of other Latin American countries including Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
About half of the Metro workforce and 60 percent of Metro’s riders are of Hispanic heritage.
Here’s how we can help everyone celebrate this coming month:
•Metro’s specially wrapped Hispanic Heritage Month bus will begin appearing on key routes Sept. 3. The bus will also be featured in the East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade on Sunday, Sept. 13.
•Metro’s new Hispanic Heritage Month TAP card will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 11, at Metro Customer Centers and select TAP vending machines at stations while supplies last.
The commemorative card costs $2 plus the cost of fare and can be reloaded and reused like any other TAP card.
Here are three events easy to reach on Metro:
El Grito
El Grito commemorates the historic call to arms issued by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 that began Mexico’s struggle for independence. Today, communities across Mexico and the United States observe the occasion with music, dancing, food and the traditional cry of “¡Viva México!”
This year’s free Los Angeles celebration will be hosted by comedian Concrete. Councilmember and Metro Board Member Imelda Padilla is serving as the event’s Madrina, and Metro is among the event sponsors.
- When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Where: Los Angeles City Hall, Spring Street steps
- Go Metro: Take the B or D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station or the A or E Line to Historic Broadway Station.
East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival
The East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. along César Chávez Avenue, followed by a free community festival featuring live music, food, cultural performances and family activities. Keep an eye out for Metro’s Hispanic Heritage Month bus in the parade!
- When: Sunday, Sept. 13; parade at 10 a.m. and festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: César Chávez Avenue and Mednik Avenue in East Los Angeles
- Go Metro: Take the E Line to East LA Civic Center Station.
- More information: East L.A. Parade & Festival
Fiestas Patrias Family Day at LA Plaza
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will celebrate Fiestas Patrias with free hands-on art, garden and culinary workshops for the whole family, along with music throughout the afternoon. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free with advance RSVP.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 13, from noon to 4 p.m.
- Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St.
- Go Metro: Take the A, B, D or J Line to Union Station and walk across Alameda Street to neighboring LA Plaza.
- More information and RSVP: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Use the new Metro app to plan your transit trips. The app is free and available in the Apple App Store for iPhones and in Google Play for Android phones.
•Employees representing Metro will be at the East LA Mexican Independence Day parade and the City of Los Angeles’ El Grito celebration.
•Metro’s Station Activations unit will also deploy a surprise and delight pop-up during Hispanic Heritage Month. Keep your eyes peeled!
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
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