Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and signifies a dedicated time to honor the individuals, communities, histories, and traditions that have impacted our lives in the United States. The fifteenth of September marks the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, like Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala, while independence for Mexico and Chile followed shortly thereafter. Hispanic Heritage Month concludes on October 15, and it serves as an open invitation for us to reflect and share stories to preserve Hispanic culture for generations to come.  

Did you make it through the short history lesson? Great—gold star! It’s important that we acknowledge our past before we turn to the present and future, and we want to give the mic to someone actively shaping our culture and media.

Jasmine Avalos is a Mexican American writer, photographer, producer, and Social Media and Content Manager for Travel Costa Mesa (that’s us!). She’s the creative force behind keeping our social channels fun and relevant (give us a follow on @TravelCostaMesa if you haven’t already), while also ensuring that everything digital and behind-the-scenes is running smoothly. She’s the reason this page loaded!

Jasmine has been recognized in the travel industry as a rising star—and we can prove it, since California Travel Association literally named her their 2025 CalTravel Rising Star, recognizing her exceptional contributions, leadership, and passion for California’s travel and tourism industry. She also received CalTravel’s 30 & Under Emerging Leader Awards for 2025, and we have no doubt her enthusiasm for community building and travel will continue to propel her forward.

Jasmine agreed to share her perspective on Hispanic Heritage Month and even let us in on some of her favorite spots to experience Hispanic culture in Costa Mesa.

Jasmine Avalos at an event hosted by Visit Anaheim

QUESTION: How do you think about Hispanic Heritage Month?

JASMINE AVALOS:
It’s a time for me to reflect on the impact and contributions we’ve made throughout things like food, music, language, and history. I think about our achievements and influence, especially the impact on our surroundings here in California.

Art at Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa

QUESTION: What role does travel play in recognizing cultural heritage or specifically Hispanic heritage?

JASMINE AVALOS:
Travel is a chance for you to be fully immersed in a culture. A personal travel experience that stands out is visiting Greece, where I felt like part of the community. Whenever I would go out to eat at my favorite hole-in-the-wall spot, I was greeted by the restaurant owners who took time to welcome me in and describe the menu. Everybody broke into dance after dinner, and I have such vivid memories of the way food, music, and language were all combined.

Jasmine at Chichén Itzá in Mexico 

Travel also provides good opportunities to learn. You’re there physically, not just eating mole, for example, but seeing how it’s made, where the ingredients come from, the techniques, and even the setting. Mexican artesanía is so beautiful to look at, but you don’t always think about the time it took to make and paint it. It’s important to see the heritage behind something and the generational skills that have been passed down. It makes what you’re experiencing even more special when you know the story behind it.

QUESTION: Are there any experiences in Costa Mesa you’d recommend for someone who wants to learn more about American Latino culture?

Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa

JASMINE AVALOS:
Mercado Gonzalez is such a “wow” moment when you walk in; it just captures our culture so perfectly. They not only have authentic flavors, but they achieve it with authentic techniques. For example, their carnitas is made in cazo de cobre, traditional copper pots, that totally influences the flavor.

Tres Muchachos Kitchen puts a new take on traditional flavors that taste familiar but always still leave me wondering how they made it taste that way! It’s a family business where their mom is often cooking alongside them, and it just feels like being at someone’s home.

ARTime Barro is so good at making community in Costa Mesa. She holds some classes in Spanish, and I love what she stands for. It makes me really want to bring my mom to a pottery class to be taught in Spanish!

Anne-Marie Schiefer and Jasmine Avalos at Segerstrom Hall (L-R)

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has such an unexpected range of programming, like cumbia dancing or their annual Fiesta Navidad concert. I love how it’s presented so authentically, with thoughtfulness and creativity. Priscilla Reyes, Community Engagement Manager at Segerstrom, is really good about bringing in lesser-known artists and giving them a platform to share their art and talent with the community. Events at Argyros Plaza are always free, giving kids and families the opportunity to experience world-class programming they might not be able to experience or afford otherwise.

QUESTION: Any final thoughts?

JASMINE AVALOS:
A lot of people don’t think of Costa Mesa and Hispanic culture together, or they think of a very stereotyped image of Orange County. People are so welcoming, there’s so much diversity—I was so surprised. You don’t know until you get here. Get here and you’ll see what I’m talking about. And try the ceviche de pulpo at the Mercado!