by Xochitl Peña
Greater Palm Springs history is steeped in stories of Hispanic pioneers and families who moved to the area to establish roots and create a better life, all the while keeping their traditions alive. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15 and recognizes the contributions and influence that Hispanic Americans have on culture and achievements in the United States. The celebration started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observation by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
This particular 30-day period, which straddles two months, was selected because of its importance for Hispanic Americans, including the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
From supporting Hispanic-owned businesses to immersing in the culture, there are many ways to honor and celebrate Hispanic people and culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. Here are our top picks to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
While any time is a good time to support Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses, the month-long celebration is a good time to get to know some of these shops, restaurants, and museums.
For a low-impact, high-intensity full-body workout, you can get in shape at Pure Barre on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Women can shop ponchos, dresses, and accessories to match while men will find unique shirts, shorts, and ruanas at TRU Self Care Boutique in Palm Springs. When you're in Indio, make a stop for coffee or matcha at one of two Everbloom Coffee locations. If you're looking for a drink with a quick bite, order something to sip on at Sixth Street Coffee in Coachella before grabbing pastries at Las Tres Conchitas Bakery just down the street.
Hungry? Family-owned Pueblo Viejo Grill in Palm Desert makes all its meals from scratch while El Mirasol in Palm Springs serves up traditional dishes that keep the locals coming back. Delicias in Desert Hot Springs puts a modern twist on typical Mexican recipes, and Rincon Norteño in Indio cooks up hearty meals. Try Jalisco in Coachella, whose doors have been open since 1971, for tasty birria. Enjoy some delicious Mexican food at any of these local restaurants: Las Carretas Taco Shop, Taqueria Sinaloense, El Ranchito, Las Casuelas Original and so many more across Greater Palm Springs.
The Coachella Valley History Museum shares the rich multicultural history of Greater Palm Springs, including Mexican cultural traditions and the stories of the communities that helped shape the valley. The campus in Indio consists of an outdoor gallery, memorial garden and various buildings including the 1926 Smiley-Tyler Adobe House, the California Date History Museum and the 1909 Indio Schoolhouse. Among its permanent exhibitions is Corazón de México, a collection of Mexican folk art.
Stop by one of the various historical museums and arts and culture destinations across Greater Palm Springs to learn more about how Indigenous communities, settlers and immigrant families have shaped the Coachella Valley.
The Palm Springs Historical Society operates the McCallum Adobe and Cornelia White House, which are seasonally closed during the summer and reopen in mid-October. The houses tell the history of Palm Springs and its first pioneers. The society’s Research Center and historical archives are housed in the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, including stories of local Hispanic trailblazers.
Want to learn more about Hispanic arts and culture? Take a look at our roundup of galleries and places to appreciate Hispanic art in Greater Palm Springs.