Hispanic Heritage Month begins Friday and will go on through mid-October.
What does that mean? You'll have plenty of options and time to celebrate.
The monthlong event, through Oct. 15, celebrates and honors the history and influence of "American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America," the National Hispanic Heritage Month website states.
The dates are important.
The first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15, the same day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their Independence Day.
Mexico's Independence Day is Sept. 16. Chile celebrates theirs on Sept. 18 and Belize on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Starting in the middle of the month helps end the celebrations on Oct. 12. Known as Columbus Day in the United States, the day is referred to in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries as Día de la Raza, honoring the countries and peoples conquered by Spain and other European nations.
Here are nine local events happening this Hispanic Heritage Month in Stockton.
Pachanga Presente at San Joaquin Delta College
Head over to Delta College on Thursday, Sept. 14 for a "Flag Parade and Pachanga," at noon.
This Pachanga is to "promote awareness and appreciation for Latine/ Hispanic/ Chicanx/ Afro-Latino culture and heritage among Delta students and staff," Delta stated in a flyer.
This event will kick off its "Latine Heritage Month 2023" calendar of five scheduled free events, all open to the public.
Those attending are encouraged to dress in traditional clothes, bring flags and represent their Latin American countries.
The event is sponsored by Puente, Chicanx Latine Faculty Task Force, Delta College Pride Coalition, DARTE and 93.5 KWDC Delta College Radio. Throughout the month 93.5 KWDC will air special programming.
Paletas Con Profes at San Joaquin Delta College
Stop by for a free paleta and get to meet some of Delta's College Latina and Latino faculty at the Puente Latinx Center Shima 133 at noon.
The event is sponsored by the Chicanx Latine Faculty Task Force, the La Raza Employees Association and Puente. The event is free and open to Delta College students.
Lotería with the Pride Center at San Joaquin Delta College
Play Lotería, win some prizes and learn more about what the Delta College Pride Center has to offer. Head over to Delta's College Pride Center Danner Hall 202B, on Thursday, Sept. 21.
This event is also free.
Latin Soul Fest
The Latin Soul Fest at Oak Grove Regional Park will have taco trucks, live music, and dancing. The music will start at 1 p.m.
Grab your lawn chairs and your cash for the food trucks and parking. Tickets are now on sale for $20. Parking is $6 cash only.
Fall Fiesta Fundraiser at the Children's Museum
The Children's Museum of Stockton will be hosting a fundraiser "Fall Fiesta," in support of the museum and to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
From the performance of Mariachi Chavez Musicians, Ballet Folklorico Raices Mexicana, to Mexican food, some margarita drinks.
There will also be a raffle and silent auction. Tickets for the event are on sale for $75.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Prevail
Prevail which was formerly known as the Women's Center-Youth and Family Services is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 24.
Here you will find food, performances, art, and many resources. This is a free event for the community.
Celebration of the Campesiono! at San Joaquin Delta College
Head over to the Campesino Forum at Delta College for a screening of the documentary Campesinos: America's Unsung Heroes & The Fight for the Campesino Forum.
There will be a Q&A panel discussion with the filmmakers. There will also be music by Delta's College Mariachi class and music by Mariachi Del Rio and much more.
This event is sponsored by Chicanx Latine Faculty Task Force, DMedia, and Puente.
26th Annual Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration at San Joaquin Delta College
Native dancers and speakers will be part of the Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration at Delta College.
This is a celebration of the "rich culture and contributions of Native peoples," Delta College said in a flyer. This event is sponsored by the Cultural Awareness Program.
Hispanic Heritage Month Run
Head over to Lincoln Center on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and join in on the Hispanic Heritage Month Run. A 5K run or walk, with virtual and in-person options.
"Whether you want to show your Hispanic heritage pride, or celebrate Latino friends, neighbors, partners and community members — all are welcome to join," the runs website stated.
There will be free kids meals for those registered 15 years old and younger. The run is free for all. To register vist: runsignup.com/hispanicheritagemonthrun.
Contributing to this report, Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY.
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.