September 15 - October 15
Palm Springs comes alive each fall with Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Nationally recognized since 1988, the celebration overlaps with several Latin American independence days—including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, Mexico on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
Here in the desert, Hispanic heritage isn’t just a chapter in history—it’s part of the heartbeat of Palm Springs. From family-run restaurants and lively nightlife to boutique shops and community traditions, the city shines with Latin flavors, rhythms, and stories.
The History of Hispanic Heritage in Palm Springs
The Latino story in Palm Springs is deeply tied to the city’s very foundation. As early as the late 19th century, Mexican and other Hispanic workers came to the Coachella Valley with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad. These men and women labored under intense desert conditions to connect Palm Springs to the rest of California, building the infrastructure that allowed the community to grow.
By the early 20th century, Latino families became an integral part of the agricultural workforce. They harvested dates, citrus, and vegetables in the fertile Coachella Valley fields, their traditions and perseverance helping to transform the desert into a productive region. At the same time, many found opportunities in Palm Springs itself—working in construction, domestic service, and the burgeoning hospitality industry that fueled the city’s rise as a glamorous resort destination.
As Palm Springs boomed after World War II, Latino residents built neighborhoods, opened small businesses, and enriched the community with their cultural traditions. Festivals, family gatherings, and faith-based celebrations became staples of desert life. By the 1950s and 1960s, Latino families were not only shaping the labor force but also making their mark in music, cuisine, and the arts.
Uniquely Ours: Latin Palm Springs with Evita Robinson
Historic Latin Restaurants in Palm Springs
Las Casuals & The Delgado Family
We salute the Delgado family, owners of the Las Casuals restaurants. The restaurant’s recipes date back to the 1920s when Florencio Delgado’s mother, Maria Farjardo, fed copper miners in Arizona who came to her kitchen door to purchase the delicious meals she prepared in her earthenware pots and pans. Florencio (Del), with his wife, Mary, brought his mother’s authentic Mexican recipes to Palm Springs in 1958. They opened the original Las Casuelas nearly 60 years ago.
Over the next few decades, the Delgado family opened four more restaurants in Palm Springs, each owned and operated by one of their children. Del and Mary’s daughter, Patricia, brought Las Casuelas Terraza to Palm Springs 40 years ago.
📍Location: 222 S Palm Canyon Drive
El Mirasol & The Castaneda Family
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana was founded in 1985 by Felipe Castaneda, a talented chef and entrepreneur deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine. Filipe, originally from Mexico, envisioned bringing his homeland's rich and diverse flavors to Palm Springs. He aimed to create a dining experience that celebrated traditional Mexican dishes with authenticity and flair. His culinary approach emphasizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
His entrepreneurial drive led him to the remodeling of Los Arboles Hotel, home of the second El Mirasol in the Movie Colony neighborhood. His Children and family now play a significant role in the restaurant's day-to-day activities and overall success. Their story is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and community involvement in creating a lasting and meaningful impact.
📍Location: 140 E Palm Canyon Drive
See all Mexican & Latin Restaurants
Experience Latin Culture
Cascade Lounge Latino Nights
Sunday Latin Nights in the Cascade Lounge, located just off the casino floor at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, is the perfect place to enjoy dancing, drinks, and nightlife in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a great selection of beers and mixed cocktails from our full-service bar, then head to the dance floor to enjoy our state-of-the-art sound and lighting system—free show 9 pm - 1:30 am.
📍Location: 401 E Amado Road
Fiesta Del Sol
When: Saturday, September 13, 12 – 5 pm
Where: Palm Springs Surf Club
Swim, savor tequila samplings, enjoy authentic folklórico dance and mariachi, Mexican-style small bites—plus access to the waterpark all day.
📍Location: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail
Guadalupe Rosales | Tzahualli: Mi memoria en tu reflejo
When: Now - October 19
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum
📍Location: 101 N Museum Drive
In Tzahualli: Mi memoria en tu reflejo, Los Angeles–based artist and archivist Guadalupe Rosales shines a light on the Chicano youth subcultures of 1990s Los Angeles. At a time when these communities were often misrepresented or ignored, Rosales began collecting photographs, flyers, and magazines to preserve and share their stories. Blending these archives with her own memories and artworks—ranging from sculpture and photography to sound and video—she creates a vibrant record of collective experience. Rosales describes herself not as a gatekeeper but as part of the community, learning alongside it. Her work invites visitors to step into a living web of memory—what she calls a tzahualli—where past and present, tradition and identity, all connect in unexpected ways.
Hunters Latin Mondays
Enjoy Latin Mondays Drag Review at Hunters Palm Springs. Every Monday, the lounge transforms into a lively celebration of Latin culture and drag artistry. The event typically features talented drag performers who bring their A-game with dynamic performances, elaborate costumes, and high-energy routines. The event draws a diverse crowd and is an excellent opportunity to experience local drag talent and a festive night out.
📍Location: 302 E Arena Road
Support Latinx-Owned Businesses
Gabino’s Creperie & Marcel Ramirez
Born and raised in Palm Springs, Marcel Ramirez brings his South American heritage and passion for food to life at Gabino’s Creperie. What began as an idea inspired by the flavors of his childhood has become a local favorite, blending artistry, culture, and community. The scent of freshly made crepes fills the air, tempting visitors with both sweet creations like Nutella and strawberries, and savory specialties layered with gourmet ingredients. Paired with one of their handcrafted coffees, each bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
📍Location: 170 E Palm Canyon Dr #4
Credit: Palm Springs Life
Hermano Flower Shop & Sesar Orozco + Adrian Romero
Adrian Romero, co-owner and creative director of Hermano Flower Shop, grew up surrounded by music in the city of Coachella. That creative spirit now shapes Hermano’s unique concept: a flower-driven collective that not only delivers stunning, ever-changing arrangements but also actively supports the local arts and music community.
Located inside the Mojave Flea Trading Post in downtown Palm Springs, Hermano offers floral designs that range from timeless roses to exotic orchids, handcrafted with care for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or simply to brighten someone’s day. What sets Hermano apart is its soul—the team takes time to connect personally with customers, tailoring each bouquet to reflect individual style and sentiment.
📍 Location: 383 N Indian Canyon Drive
Credit: Omar Quiroz
Superbloom & Alexis & Chris Ramirez
At Superbloom, creativity isn’t just an idea—it’s a lifestyle. Founded by Alexis and Chris Ramirez, this vibrant brand concept brings together color, innovation, and meaning in ways that inspire both community and imagination.
Alexis draws on more than a decade of experience in the fashion industry, where she collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands, while Chris brings a background in product development and technology with projects ranging from entertainment to startup ventures. After stepping away from corporate careers, the couple embarked on a global journey that reshaped their vision of life and creativity. The result was Superbloom—a space where artistry and innovation come together in Palm Springs.
Superbloom serves as an interactive showroom, gallery, and creative studio. Visitors can explore abstract expressionist artwork, bold contemporary pieces, and one-of-a-kind decor, apparel, accessories, and gifts. Beyond the gallery, Superbloom also creates imaginative event designs and branding solutions, giving businesses and celebrations alike a distinctive, art-driven touch.
📍 Location: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr, Suite G-102. By appointment only.
Tru Self Care Boutique
Cutting-edge casual fashions with a distinctly Coachella Valley vibe, Tru Self Care Boutique is a family-owned and Latina-owned shop that opened up in La Plaza in 2021. Shoppers will find a lovingly curated selection of chic items from Mexican artists and designers, including flowing peasant skirts, on-trend items like oversized jackets, and cropped tees with empowering themes.
📍Locations: 116 La Plaza
