#mexican-heritage-plaza

#mexican-heritage-plaza

As an event producer, he knew that each time an awesome event was held at the East San Jose venue, the specter of gentrification creeped in a little more. It was important, he told me, to make sure that events and future development helped the people in the Alum Rock neighborhood instead of pushing them out. He would have been smiling Thursday when construction officially started on the $30 million, 28,000 square-foot cultural hub on Alum Rock Avenue across the street from the Mexican Heritage Plaza.

"Today is about more than a funding announcement," Councilmember Peter Ortiz said. "It's about showing what happens when we finally invest in East San Jose."

The staff at La Plaza bring back another family-friendly signature event, Fiesta Navideña, this time with headliner Carlos y Charlos. Both from LA County, multi-instrumentalists Juan Carlos Reynoso and Charles DeCastro initially jammed together on songs by Norteño idols Los Alegres de Terán and Carlos y Jose. Soon, with Reynoso on bajo sexto and DeCastro on diatonic accordion, Carlos y Charlos' sound was solidified with additional bass work by Patrick Morrison.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose comes alive each December with lights, music, and community spirit for Fiesta Navideña. This year marks the 15th annual gathering on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:00 pm. Families and friends fill the space at 1700 Alum Rock Avenue to close out the year with free activities that highlight cultural roots and seasonal joy.