FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — In Fresno—a city shaped by generations of Latino hands—Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a nod to culture. It’s a time to reflect, recognize, and rise. As trumpets blare and cheers rise from a Mexican Independence Day parade to kick off, the heart of the Central Valley pulses with celebration.

For local leaders like Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, the month is deeply personal.

“It’s a time when we celebrate our culture, our traditions, the music, the contributions of our Latino community here in the Central Valley and California,” Chavez said.

From farm fields that feed the nation, to City Hall, Latinos have long laid the foundation of the region, often with little recognition. Now, voices like Chavez’s stand as symbols of change.

“When you look at the history of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, we’ve only had about 92 elected supervisors—and only four of them have been Latino,” he explained. “I happen to be the fourth one in the history of the county.”

That reality underscores both progress and the ongoing struggle for representation and equity. Chavez emphasizes that Latinos helped build Fresno— brick by brick, dream by dream —from agriculture to education, and beyond.

Even with milestones like record-breaking Hispanic graduation rates at Fresno State and astronaut José Hernández’s story reaching the stars, the Central Valley remains a place where many still face fear and discrimination.

Immigration attorney Jesús Ibanez sees the challenges firsthand. At CARAS, an immigration advocacy group, he represents families navigating a legal landscape increasingly hostile to immigrants.

“In this moment of time that we’re living in, coming together as a people, as a cohesive unit, in unison as a voice to protect ourselves is very, very important,” Ibanez said.

In the face of political division, ICE raids, and racial profiling, Ibanez says celebrating heritage is not just cultural—it’s critical.

“It’s very important for us not to retreat in this moment,” he said. “To show our might, to show our power, to show that we are hardworking individuals who belong in this country.”

Across Fresno, reminders of Latino pride are everywhere. In murals that chronicle the farmworker movement. In the sounds of Spanish-language music echoing through street markets. In the faces of small business owners keeping traditions alive.

“Our murals tell our history—the victories of the United Farm Workers, the struggles here in Fresno, what folks had to do to get Spanish-speaking bilingual education,” Ibanez said.

Whether at large community festivals or small family gatherings, Hispanic Heritage Month is lived—not just observed. In Fresno, that lived experience is rooted in duality: love for a country of origin, and honor for the country that provided a path forward.

“I think that’s what makes our nation so unique and strong,” Chavez said. “That we have people who have come from all over the world, and they brought the best with them to make a better life here.”

For both Chavez and Ibanez, this month is not just about celebration—it’s about movement, about remembrance, and about resilience.

“I’m a U.S. citizen. I’m an attorney. But I’m also very proud. I’m also a fighter,” Ibanez said. “Now more than ever, if you have a chance—get out and be part of this movement.”

As chants of “¡Sí se puede!” echo through the city streets, Fresno stands tall a living testament to Latino perseverance, pride, and the ongoing fight for justice and unity.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 nationwide. The celebrations wrap-up locally, but there are many ways to honor and keep Latino culture alive every day. You can support Latino owned businesses, eat delicious dishes, listen to music and stand in solidarity with the human rights of all Hispanics.