East Los Angeles is preparing to host a vibrant celebration of community, resilience, and female empowerment this Saturday, March 14, 2026, with the inaugural East L.A. Women’s Day Fest. The event, taking place at the East Los Angeles Civic Center, marks a significant moment for local advocacy groups, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the East L.A. Women’s Center and the 29th anniversary of Mujeres de Maiz. More than just a festival, this gathering aims to provide resources, foster dialogue, and uplift women and families in a region with a rich history of activism and community organizing.
The East L.A. Women’s Day Fest is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the East L.A. Women’s Center, Mujeres de Maiz, and The Goddess Mercado. These organizations, each with a distinct focus, have united to create a space that honors International Women’s Day, the Spring Equinox, and the Mexica New Year. The festival promises a full day of performances, workshops, vendor booths, and advocacy opportunities, all designed to celebrate the strength and diversity of women in the East Los Angeles community. This event underscores the ongoing need for accessible resources and safe spaces for women, particularly women of color, in a rapidly changing world.
Mujeres de Maiz, a women’s art and wellness collective, played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the festival. Founded by Felicia Montes and classmates from UCLA and Cal State LA, the organization emerged from a desire for greater representation of Chicanx, Latinx, and women of color within artistic and organizing circles. Montes explained that the collective was born out of a need to create spaces where these voices could be heard and valued, stating, “We were just looking for representation…because we didn’t see it as much, or we oftentimes didn’t perceive safe or heard in those spaces, we made our own space.” As reported by the *Los Angeles Times*, Mujeres de Maiz strives to create an intersectional environment where women can address various aspects of their lives—from sexuality and feminism to spirituality and immigration—without having to navigate multiple separate forums.
A Legacy of Service: Celebrating 50 Years of the East L.A. Women’s Center
The East L.A. Women’s Day Fest also serves as a milestone celebration for the East L.A. Women’s Center, which is commemorating its 50th year of service to the community. For half a century, the center has been a vital resource for women facing abuse, providing crucial health and social services. Montes highlighted the center’s enduring impact, noting its comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of women and families across Southern California. “Their focus is so many different areas…around families, domestic violence, HIV awareness,” she said. The center’s longevity speaks to its adaptability and commitment to evolving alongside the needs of the community it serves.
Festival Highlights: Art, Advocacy, and Community Resources
Attendees of the East L.A. Women’s Day Fest can expect a diverse range of activities and offerings. The event will feature performances from Latinx artists and activists, alongside over 70 vendors showcasing the work of local women entrepreneurs and artisans. According to the event listing on Eventbrite, featured artivist performers include Colectivo Sabinas, Zada Musica, Maya Jupiter, and In Lak Ech, with Danza Azteca also scheduled to perform. Poetry readings by Briana Muñoz, Alyesha Wise Hernandez, and Stephanie Berenice will add another layer of artistic expression to the festival.
Beyond the artistic performances, the festival will prioritize advocacy and resource provision. Over 25 organizations will be present, offering information and support related to childcare, domestic violence, HIV testing, immigration rights, and other critical services. A particularly noteworthy initiative is “Ponte Your Moños (#MoreBraidsNoRaids),” a fundraising effort to support individuals and families affected by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) actions. Attendees can get their braids done, with proceeds going towards legal assistance and support services. This initiative directly addresses the anxieties and challenges faced by immigrant communities in the region.
The festival will also showcase several Social Practice Art Projects, activated by local women artists and wellness practitioners. These include “Botanica del Barrio” by Honey Bee Botanicals, and the “Politricked Public Art Cart” by Martha Carrillo of Heart On Arts. These interactive art installations aim to engage attendees in critical conversations about social justice and community empowerment.
Building on a History of Collaboration: The Eastside Mujeres Network
While this year marks the first dedicated International Women’s Day celebration jointly hosted by Mujeres de Maiz and the East L.A. Women’s Center, the two organizations have a history of collaboration. In 2015, they joined forces with other women’s support groups across Los Angeles to form the Eastside Mujeres Network. As detailed in a *LA Weekly* article, the network was established in response to a growing urgency surrounding issues of violence against women in the East Los Angeles area. Montes explained that the network’s formation was driven by a desire to create a unified front to address these challenges and provide comprehensive support to survivors.
Speakers and Advocates
The East L.A. Women’s Day Fest will also feature a series of talks from prominent Latinx activists and organizers. Speakers include Mona Recalde of the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Bamby Salcedo of the Translatina Coalition, and Raquel Roman of Proyecto Pastoral and Run. These speakers will address a range of issues, from Indigenous rights and transgender advocacy to community organizing and social justice. Their participation underscores the festival’s commitment to intersectionality and amplifying diverse voices.
The event is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged. It will take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the East Los Angeles Civic Center, located at 4801 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022. Further details and registration information can be found on the Mujeres de Maiz website.
The East L.A. Women’s Day Fest represents a powerful convergence of community organizations, artistic expression, and advocacy efforts. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and empowerment within the East Los Angeles community, and a vital space for celebrating the contributions of women and fostering a more just and equitable future. The organizers have confirmed that planning is underway for future collaborations and events, building on the momentum generated by this inaugural festival.
Following the festival, Mujeres de Maiz will be hosting a community debriefing session on March 21, 2026, to gather feedback and plan for future events. Updates and information regarding this session will be posted on their website. The East L.A. Women’s Center will also be continuing its regular programming and services, providing ongoing support to women and families in the region.
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