Former Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (30) - Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Chargers have an annual event (other than losing) around the end of September and the beginning of October called the Latino Heritage Game. It’s unclear when the event started, but it has been going on at least since 2015. Prior to the move back to Los Angeles, it appears that they had another similar tradition in San Diego . We’ll discuss that and more below!
2015
The first Latino Heritage Game this author could find was from 2015. It’s unclear when the tradition began. However, even if the inaugural game was in 2015, it shows a history of commitment that most teams don’t have. In 2015, the NFL had partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to put together their annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards at the Charger’s Latino Heritage Game. The award was given out during halftime.
Also, during halftime, there were performances from Mariachi Real de San Diego and a traditional ballet folklorico group. Before the start of the Latino Heritage Game, San Diego also had Mexican American singer and former member of the group Kumbia Kings, Frankie J., sing the national anthem, while high school students from a local school presented the colors. A truly touching pre-game ceremony. The Chargers know how to have a good celebration!
2017
In 2017, the Chargers had just moved back to Los Angeles. They kicked off the 2017 Latino Heritage Game with the Last Bandoleros performing the national anthem while the Marines presented the colors. During halftime, the team hosted the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards along with a rousing performance from the redound El Rancho High School Marching Dons.
This Year’s Latino Heritage Game
For the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Chargers outdid themselves on Sunday, September 29th. Off the field, there is an in-stadium exhibit that featured classic low-rider cars from the Lady Lowrider Car Club. There was also a Chargers cookoff fiesta. Pre-game, you couldn’t miss House Banda, the first all-female mariachi band performing. In addition, the violinists, singer, and DJ Esther Anaya on the 1s and 2s.
The first ever Mariachi artist signed by Death Row Records, Julian Torres, will sing the national anthem. Throughout the game, the TV and radio partner Que Bena Los Angeles made their presence known, along with an announcement from the famous Don Cheto.
Last but certainly not least, halftime did not disappoint. The award show happened again, which, of course, was as heartwarming as ever. Famous singer and songwriter Ana Bárbara rocked our socks off with her amazing blends of different musical styles such as mariachi, pop, grupero, romantic ballads, and more. 2024 was the year of the amazing Latino Heritage Game.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Chargers could exemplify Hispanic excellence by drafting Latino members onto their team, but an annual game works too. The Latino Heritage Game celebrates different aspects of the Hispanic community through performances, speeches, food, and more. Being represented in the halftime of an NFL game could be life- and career-changing for some.
The game also serves as a great time for the NFL to put words to practice in celebrating the Latin community. The Los Angeles Chargers stand out from other teams because they have been doing this game for nearly 10 years, much longer than other teams that have adopted the practice in recent years. Keep up the good work, Chargers!
