Nestled within the scenic Balboa Park, the Centro Cultural de la Raza is a cultural landmark dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of Indigenous Mexican, Chicano, Latino, and border communities.
More than just a venue, it stands as an independent space for artistic and social expression, fostering a deep connection to the history and struggles of these communities.
Centro Cultural de la Raza: A Legacy Rooted in Activism
For over 54 years, the Centro has been a hub for cultural empowerment. It emerged during a period of intense social movements, shaped by protests against the Vietnam War and grassroots activism led by figures such as Dolores Huerta and César Chávez of the United Farm Workers. From the start, it was envisioned as a space created by and for the Chicano community.
Initially, artists used the Ford Building as a gathering place, fostering creative exchange and cultural identity. Among those deeply involved were Los Toltecas en Aztlán, a collective that played a pivotal role in defining the Centro’s artistic vision.
In 1970, activists petitioned the city to transform the Ford Building into the Centro Cultural de la Raza. However, when the city opted instead to repurpose it as an aerospace museum, protestors refused to leave. Eventually, officials offered them an abandoned water tank, originally built in 1914, along with a $22,000 city grant. This funding allowed for essential renovations, including lighting, heating, running water, and a wooden dance floor for Ballet Folklórico performances.
On July 11, 1971, the Centro Cultural de la Raza officially opened its doors to a crowd of over 500 people, marking the occasion with music, dance, and a groundbreaking art exhibition. The first mural, La Dualidad, was painted, and volunteers worked tirelessly to complete the building’s transformation. During this period, the Centro gained international recognition, attracting scholars like Shifra Goldman, Tomás Ybarra-Frausto, and Chon Noriega, as well as renowned artists such as Magú, Judy Baca, Sergio Arau, Lalo Guerrero, José Montoya, Bárbara Carrasco, and Gabino Palomares.
A Thriving Cultural Hub
The Centro Cultural de la Raza has nurtured numerous artistic and performance groups throughout the years, many of which remain active today. Notable among them are Ballet Folklórico en Aztlán, founded by Herminia Enrique; Teatro Meztizo; and Trio Moreno. The Centro has also supported artists and performers such as Gronk, the Taco Shop Poets, Yareli Arizmendi, James Luna, David Ávalos, Dora Aréola, Chicano Secret Service, Richard A. Lou, Robert J. Sanchez, and Isaac Artenstein, all of whom have made significant contributions to the arts and cultural movements.
Today, the Centro continues to serve as a dynamic space for creative expression and formal arts education. It offers a diverse range of workshops in folkloric dance, interpretive dance, music, theater, spoken word, percussion, and more. The venue also hosts numerous public events, including exhibitions, concerts, installations, theatrical performances, and multimedia presentations.
Located in Balboa Park, San Diego, the Centro is open to the public at: 2004 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-559-6389 (Tuesday–Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM) for more information.
Whether you’re an artist, activist, or cultural enthusiast, the Centro Cultural de la Raza remains a beacon of artistic and social empowerment in San Diego.
