Otay Ranch Town Center celebrated Hispanic Heritage month last night
Hispanic Heritage Month is officially in full swing, and Chula Vista knows how to celebrate! This past weekend, the community came together at Otay Ranch Town Center for an evening filled with music, dancing, and delicious food. The event was a perfect way to honor the Hispanic community’s rich cultural traditions and contributions. It was also the last night for the Salsa Under the Stars event.
Music and Dance Take Center Stage
The event started with live salsa music that had everyone on their feet. From beginners to seasoned dancers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The energy was contagious as dancers from Deso Studio even taught a few steps to event-goers, making sure no one missed out on the fun. The usually quiet shopping center transformed into a lively celebration space.
Tonight was the last The Salsa Under the Stars event, and I will miss it. Manny Cepeda and Orchestra have been performing on various Tuesdays throughout the summer. People love the music and dancing while enjoying the summer nights. Hopefully, the Otay Ranch Town Center will bring this event back next year.
A Taste of Mexico at the Otay Ranch Town Center
The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market was another night’s highlight. Several vendors always offer traditional Mexican food. Ana Aguilar, owner of a pop-up restaurant, shared some of her favorites from Mexico City, including Pam Bazo, Sope, and Flautas. For many, this was more than just a meal—it was a taste of home. Ana was thrilled to give visitors a chance to experience authentic flavors.
Pride in Hispanic Heritage
For many, this celebration went beyond food and music. It was a chance to reflect on their pride for their roots. Veronica Ortega, originally from Guadalajara, shared how meaningful it is for her to honor her Mexican blood. Meanwhile, Theodore Ortega spoke about how the celebration brought back cherished childhood memories.
Everyone was having a lot of fun, and I’m happy to see all of these events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Events like this always remind me of my childhood in Mexico and the celebrations with music and happiness. It also gives me the chance to eat some delicious food.
Be sure to find an event near you this month
This event was just the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, with more activities planned throughout Chula Vista and San Diego in the coming weeks. This past Sunday, the city of Chula Vista hosted the annual El Grito Celebration at Memorial Bowl. It was a huge event that had everyone celebrating. You can read more about the El Grito event here on our website.
Let’s keep the spirit alive and continue celebrating the vibrant culture that makes our community unique! Have you attended any of the events?
