Planning to spend your vacation in San Jose, or are you here already, hoping to explore the grounds for some extra beauty and peace and a slice of Mexican culture? A visit to the Mexican Heritage Plaza is just what you need!
In addition to the breathtaking view and a variety of events available to both locals and visitors alike, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, you’ll also witness exciting cultural performances and discover the history of the local Chicano culture in San Jose.
In this read, we will share with you all you need to know about the Mexican Heritage Plaza, so you can plan your trip accordingly and have a great time in San Jose.
The Mexican Heritage Plaza
The Mexican Heritage Plaza/Centro Cultural de San José is a public plaza in East San Jose, California. It is a place of education, culture, and celebration of a rich and diverse community.
As soon as you arrive at its gates, the plaza screams “fun and creativity” from the vibrant mosaic walkways at each entrance to the Aztec symbols gracing a fountain at the side entrance in celebration of Mexico’s heritage.
The plaza is home to the School of Arts and Culture, which offers Mexican and Mexican-American students education in Mexican folk art and crafts through its programs.
History of the Mexican Heritage Plaza
The Mexican Heritage Plaza was originally envisioned as a garden rather than a plaza. With time, its founders realized the idea of growing a mere garden did not fully reflect Mexican culture and failed to provide a heritage for the younger generation. They set up a committee to brainstorm on what could resonate with this dream, and the vision of the plaza was born.
12 years later, the project was fully funded and developed through a collaboration between the Mexican Heritage Corporation and the Redevelopment Agency of San Jose.
Under the ownership of the San Jose community and the operation of the School of Arts and Culture, the Mexican Heritage Plaza officially opened its doors in September 1999.
The Mexican Heritage Plaza was created as a space for the San Jose community to gather and celebrate Mexico’s heritage. Today, it is a hub of activity and an emblem of multicultural heritage from diverse regions of the world.
Where is the Mexican Heritage Plaza?
The 6-acre attraction stands tall in the bustling Mayfair neighborhood at 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95116, USA.
The plaza is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can reach the Mexican Heritage Plaza by taking the light rail to the Santa Clara station. From there, you can walk to the plaza or take the bus.
Facilities at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
Whether you’re hosting a private or public non-profit event, the magnificent landmark at the Plaza has top-notch facilities to make your event grand and remarkable. It comprises:
- 1020-capacity plaza reception
- Pavilion Reception
- Lobby Reception
- Chinampa Garden
- Galeria
- 5 Arts & Technology Classrooms
- 500-capacity Theatre
- Dance Studio
Events at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
The Mexican Heritage Plaza hosts events ranging from birthday parties, quinceaneras, weddings, festivals, and conferences, to the school dance recitals and many other unique events throughout the year.
The plaza also serves as a gathering place for the San Jose community, hosting several cultural events, including the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration, a festival celebrated in honor of the lives of lost loved ones.
Things to do at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
If you’re up for a swell time at the plaza, here’s a list of some exciting activities to engage in:
- Learn how to make traditional Mexican crafts at the School of Art and Culture
- Take dance lessons in the studio
- Watch cultural performances at the theatre
- Take a stroll in the garden and soak in nature
- Explore the Galeria
Depending on when you visit, you could also attend the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration or any other major event hosted at the plaza.
Things to Do Nearby
There are several places to visit nearby. The San Jose Museum of Art is just a few blocks from the plaza. You can also visit the Peralta Adobe, the oldest building in San Jose, and the following attractions less than 15 minutes away:
- Guadalupe River Park And Gardens
- Winchester Mystery House
- Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
- Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
If you’re exhausted from exploring and need to refill, there are a lot of restaurants within walking distance of the Mexican Heritage Plaza. We recommend:
- El Pirrin
- El Chalateco
- El Grullo Taqueria
- Mariscos La Corta
- Adega
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