Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond
September 23, 2025
Recognizing Latino Heritage Month and
Honoring the Organizers of 2025Fiestas Patrias Parade
WHEREAS, Latino/x Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latino/x community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond proudly recognizes the vibrant Latino/x communities that have shaped the city’s cultural, economic, and civic life through generations of leadership, creativity, and resilience; and
WHEREAS, Latino/x communities are made up of people from a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples native to the Americas, descendants of African communities brought through the transatlantic slave trade, and European settlers, along with immigrants from Asia and the Middle East. This rich cultural and racial mixture reflects centuries of migration, resistance, and cultural fusion across Latin America and the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, long before colonial borders were drawn, the land now known as Richmond was home to the Huchiun Band of Ohlone Indigenous Natives, whose deep connection to the region continues to shape its cultural landscape; and
WHEREAS, over time, the blending of Indigenous peoples with Spanish settlers on the land, gave rise to a new mestizo identity, what we now recognize as Mexican; and
WHEREAS, following Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government granted large tracts of land in California to military leaders and loyal citizens. In 1823, Don Francisco María Castro was awarded approximately 17,000 acres in what is now Contra Costa County, land that became known as Rancho San Pablo. Decades later, a portion of this historic land grant became the foundation for the City of Richmond. Though borders shifted, the people did not disappear, but became Mexican Americans, continuing to shape the region’s identity and legacy; and
WHEREAS, in celebration of Latin American culture, rich history, and the many independence days observed throughout the month of September—including those of Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize— Richmond and San Pablo co-sponsored the second annual Fiestas Patrias celebration on Saturday, September 13, 2025, honoring the shared spirit of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride across the Americas; and
WHEREAS, the event featured a lively parade beginning at Barrett Avenue and 23rd Street in Richmond, culminating in a community-wide festival, drawing families, neighbors, and visitors from across the region to celebrate shared heritage and pride; and
WHEREAS, Fiestas Patrias 2025 was a free and family-friendly event, welcoming all to participate in the rich cultural expressions of unity; and
WHEREAS, the success of this historic celebration was made possible by the dedication and vision of its organizers, whose tireless efforts brought together two cities, multiple cultures, and hundreds of residents in a joyful and meaningful tribute to independence and identity; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richmond does hereby recognize Latino/x Heritage Month 2025, September 15 and October 15, and extends its deepest appreciation to the organizers of 2025 Fiestas Patrias Parade for their outstanding contributions to cultural celebration, community building, and civic pride. Richmond celebrates the richness of Latino/x heritage and reaffirms its commitment to honoring the voices, traditions, and histories that make our city strong.
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
City of Richmond
September 23, 2025