Bakersfield College launches 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations

Friday, September 18, 2026

The Bakersfield College (BC) Hispanic Heritage Month Committee hosted the college’s 2026 celebration kickoff Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Panorama campus. The Student Equity and Achievement Program sponsored the event.

The celebration honored Latino cultures, traditions and contributions. Guests enjoyed food inspired by several Latin American countries, participated in cultural activities and listened to live music. Bakersfield band Velorio performed a mix of cumbia and Latin rock.

“This celebration is especially meaningful to me as the son of Mexican immigrants who came to this country in pursuit of the American dream,” said Dr. César Jiménez, BC’s vice president of student affairs. “It is an opportunity to showcase the richness of Latino culture, our traditions, music and food.”

He also said the celebration provides a space for people to honor their heritage and recognize the contributions of Latino communities in Kern County and across the country.

BC President Dr. Stacy Pfluger welcomed attendees and spoke about the value of education and cultural connections. Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderón delivered the keynote address. Kern Community College District trustees Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg gave closing remarks.

Bakersfield College is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Approximately 75% of its students identify as Hispanic.

The federal designation applies to eligible institutions where Hispanic students account for at least 25% of undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment. At BC, the designation also supports the college’s efforts to promote student achievement and a sense of belonging.

“As one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California and the nation, Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Jiménez.

Events will continue at BC locations throughout the celebration. The Delano Campus and Arvin Educational Center held kickoff events Thursday, Sept. 17. BC Southwest also will host an activity.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 through October 15. The celebration will conclude with “Día de Muertos: Cafecito at the Altar” from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Library Covered Plaza on the Panorama campus.

Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Events:

Panorama Campus

• Dominos y Cafecito: Sept. 18, 9-11 a.m., Renegade Crossroads
• Salsa Lessons: Sept. 21, 2-3 p.m., Fireside
• Lotería with EOPS: Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m., Fireside Room
• Celia Cruz ¡Azúcar!: Sept. 24, 2-4 p.m., Fireside Room
• Guatemalan Basket Weaving: Sept. 30, 3-5 p.m., Fireside Room
• Cantarito Makeover: Oct. 6, noon-2 p.m., CSS 151
• Papagayos Crafting: Oct. 6, 9-10:30 a.m., Renegade Crossroads
• Monarch Butterfly Chime: Oct. 6, noon-1:30 p.m., CSS 151
• Queer Identity Through Art: Oct. 6, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fireside Room
• McFarland, USA: Oct. 8, 5-8 p.m., Renegade Event Center
• Consejería y Conchas: Oct. 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Renegade Crossroads
• Hispanic Heritage Trivia: Oct. 15, 3-5 p.m., CC 232
• Translators More Than Words: Oct. 21, 1:30 p.m., Fireside Room
• UndocuAlly Training: Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m., CSS 151
• Día de Muertos Cafecito at the Altar: Nov. 3, noon-4 p.m., Library Covered Plaza\

Delano Campus

• Craft and Culture Día de los Muertos Traditions: Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Learning Resource Center
• McFarland, USA: Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m., Learning Resource Center Room 119

Arvin Educational Center

• Craft and Culture Día de los Muertos Traditions: Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Lounge
• Noche de Familia: Oct. 9, 5-7 p.m., Courtyard

BC Southwest

• Craft and Culture Día de los Muertos Traditions: Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., BC Southwest Lobby