Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: September 2022: Hispanic Heritage Month. Charlie and I will be looking for resources and books to study during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as events to attend. If we find any would you like to go with us?
Hispanic Heritage Month
The celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, is celebrated throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, began as a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans. Specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Communities mark the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities. If you’re a student, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Mont,, check out all the scholarships available for Hispanic students.
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15th to October 15th. This is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the American Latino community.
HISTORY OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Every year from September 15th to October 15th, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by appreciating the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South and Central America.
Hispanic Heritage Month originally started with one week of commemoration when the holiday was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown in June 1968. With the Civil Rights movement, the need to recognize the contributions of the Latin community gained traction in the 1960s. Awareness of the multicultural groups living in the United States was also gradually growing.
Two heavily Latinx and Hispanic populated areas, the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, were represented by Brown. Congressman George E. Brown aim was to recognize the integral roles of these communities in American history. Observation of Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later extended to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan, starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th. It was enacted into law via approval of Public Law 100-402 on August 17th, 1988.
September 15th is set as the starting date for the month which is important for many reasons. Including the independence anniversary for Latin American Countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. From here onwards, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Dia de la Raza or Columbus Day also falls within this month, on October 12th.
Hispanic Americans have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions to the Nation are immeasurable, and they embody the best of American values. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on the U.S. Culture and economy.
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the culture and contributions of both Latino and Hispanic Americans. The history and accomplishments of these groups in the shaping of the Country are celebrated.
The month is celebrated in a plethora of ways. As several other celebratory holidays fall during this month such as the independence days of several Latin American Countries concerts, Parades, food fairs, and more are organized throughout. Educational events like art exhibitions take place as well, highlighting important Latino heroes in history.
The U.S. government honors the immeasurable contributions of Hispanic Americans to our economy, culture, and Society.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and countless contributions that Latinos have made to the Nation over the years.
The simplest way to remember the difference between Hispanic and Latino is that Hispanic refers to Spanish-dense populations and Latino refers to Latin American countries.
Panamanians are of Hispanic origin and the 15th-largest population residing in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
- Plan a fiesta with tasty food and share stories about Hispanic Culture with your family.
- Brighten young minds by educating them about Hispanic Arts. Frida Kahlo’s paintings are a good start!
- Everyone learned a little bit of Spanish in school. Why not go all the way and learn the language because who knows where that might take you?
5 HISPANIC HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS
- Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of the month to correspond with the independence of many Countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
- Hispanic and Latino Americans amount to an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population, making up the largest ethnic minority.
- Oscar Hijuelos, Author of “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love,” was the first Hispanic writer to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
- Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is increasing.
- Unlike the U.S., Chicken Tacos are not popular in Mexico. There, they prefer to fill Tacos with Steak, Chicharron, or Chorizo.
WHY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- Hispanic influences are tightly woven into the fabric of American life including music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, and more.
- The State with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million.
- While Hispanic children learn about their roots this month, all kids can benefit from learning about Spanish history or Culture.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
