SIGNATURE EVENTS AT LA PLAZA
FIESTA DEL MARIACHI
About
Fiesta del Mariachi is a community-friendly event that inspires families to gather and celebrate San José's Mexican heritage through the art of mariachi customs and traditions. This event includes an outdoor concert for community members to enjoy. SOAC continues its commitment to serve as an arts and cultural hub in East San José, hosting community events and educational programs that promote local artists and arts organizations.
CHILE, MOLE, POZOLE
About
Chile, Mole, Pozole is La Plaza’s unique take on a traditional Mexican Independence Day celebration. Historically, Mexican Independence Day is on the night of September 15, opening with el grito, the cry of independence, and followed by day-long festivities featuring delicious foods and lively parades.
La Plaza’s annual Chile, Mole, Pozole festival offers fun for families of all generations to enjoy, such as salsa tasting, traditional mole and pozole dishes, live mariachi music, folklórico, kids activities and local artisan vendors.
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AVENIDA DE ALTARES
About
Avenida de Altares (Avenue of the Altars), a free cultural event celebrating Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza). Avenida de Altares is an immersive experience centering a curated altar walk, spanning from the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road all the way to the entrance of Highway 101, culminating inside the Plaza grounds.
After taking in the cultural sights and sounds on the Avenue, community members are invited into La Plaza for a wide variety of activities. This includes Day of the Dead-themed face painting, private tarot readings, local artisans and makers selling original creations, and a picturesque cemetery installation.
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FIESTA NAVIDEÑA
About
Every year, Fiesta Navideña attracts thousands of people from all over San José. Friends and families of all ages enjoy live performances, dance to music, share tamales, drink atole, see mariachi, and celebrate the unique traditions of East San José. Highlights of this event also include a Christmas tree lighting, a vendor market with local businesses, arts and crafts activity booths, and special performances.