Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters: A U.S. Celebration

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From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. lights up with the energy and pride of Hispanic Heritage Month —a celebration that spans 62 million people and over 20 diverse cultures. It’s not just about parades and parties; it’s about recognizing the profound impact Hispanic Americans have on every part of the nation’s identity.

Did you know that nearly one in five people in the U.S. are of Hispanic descent, according to the US Census? That’s a powerful legacy, shaping everything from politics to pop culture.

Across the country, cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York (just to name a few of the larger cities) are hubs for Latine culture. But beyond the festivals, food, and music, Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the history, contributions, and future of our contributions. You may be attending El Grito in LA or enjoying the art exhibits in D.C., if you decide to celebrate this month, it is your chance to experience Hispanic culture in all its complexity. This month is not just a celebration—it is a moment of national recognition that reminds us how Hispanic heritage is intertwined with the American story.

For those who may not be familiar with this celebration, this blog post will provide a clear, thorough overview of its origins, significance, and the various ways it is celebrated across the United States. Whether you’re of Hispanic descent or not, this guide will help you appreciate the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage.

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long observance in the United States that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latina/o/e Americans. This celebration acknowledges the impact that people of Hispanic origin have had in shaping American culture, society, and history.

The celebration begins on September 15 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence shortly thereafter, making this a significant period for many Latin American nations.

Why Is It Important?

Hispanic Heritage Month plays a critical role in shining a spotlight on a community that has greatly contributed to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the U.S. With Hispanic Americans being the 2nd largest ethnic minority in the country—accounting for nearly 19% of the U.S. population—this observance ensures that our history, struggles, achievements, and culture are acknowledged and celebrated.

For many, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to embrace our identity and highlight the vibrancy of our traditions, languages, and heritage. It’s also an educational moment for non-Hispanic individuals, providing opportunities to learn about the rich diversity within Hispanic cultures.

Hispanic vs. Latino: What’s the Difference?

Before diving further into how Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated, it’s helpful to clarify a common point of confusion: the difference between the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino.”

Hispanic refers to people who come from, or whose ancestors come from, Spanish-speaking countries. This includes Spain and most of Latin America, but excludes countries where Spanish is not the primary language, such as Brazil.
Latino/a (or Latinx / Latine as gender-neutral alternatives) refers to people from Latin America, which includes countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Unlike “Hispanic,” this term does not focus on language but rather on geographic location. Brazilians, for instance, are Latino but not Hispanic.

This distinction is important because Hispanic Heritage Month honors both the Hispanic and Latino communities, recognizing their unique and shared cultural elements.

The Origins of Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month was not always a month-long celebration. It began as Hispanic Heritage Week en 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. At that time, it was established as a week-long observance to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans. The timing was chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover a full month, from September 15 to October 15. This extension allowed for more comprehensive events, programs, and educational activities across the U.S., offering a deeper exploration of Hispanic contributions to American society.

Hispanic Heritage Across the United States: A Diverse Celebration

One of the unique aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month is its wide range of celebrations, reflecting the diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures. The Latino community is not monolithic, and each country and region has its own customs, traditions, and forms of expression. Here’s a look at some of the most notable ways the month is celebrated across the U.S.:

1. Festivals and Cultural Events

Across the country, cities and towns host festivals that celebrate Hispanic culture with music, dance, food, and traditional clothing. Some key events include:

Fiesta DC in Washington, D.C.: This event draws large crowds to the nation’s capital with performances of salsa, merengue, and mariachi music. Floats, dancers, and colorful costumes reflect the diversity of Hispanic nations.
El Grito in Los Angeles: Honoring Mexican Independence Day, this celebration brings together thousands of people with parades, concerts, and fireworks. “El Grito” refers to the traditional reenactment of the Mexican War of Independence’s call to arms by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
Hispanic Heritage in San Antonio in Texas: San Antonio is known for its rich Hispanic history and its annual celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month showcases Latino music, art, and food with a Texas twist.

These festivals are a sensory experience, filled with beautiful performances, live music, and street food from different Latin American countries, giving attendees a taste of various Hispanic traditions.

2. Food and Cuisine

Food is an integral part of any culture, and during Hispanic Heritage Month, the flavors of Latin America take center stage. You’ll find celebrations featuring culinary experiences that highlight the variety and depth of Hispanic cuisines:

Mexican cuisine is perhaps the most well-known in the U.S., with tacos, tamales, and enchiladas taking the spotlight. However, authentic Mexican dishes vary greatly from region to region, with flavors ranging from the rich, chocolate-infused moles of Oaxaca to the spicy, seafood-based dishes of coastal states.
Cuban cuisine, with its flavorful blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, offers dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef in a tomato sauce), tostones (fried green plantains), and arroz con pollo (chicken with yellow rice).
Puerto Rican cuisine shares similar ingredients and influences but has its own unique flavors, with dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork) and lechón asado (roast pork).
Argentinian cuisine features world-renowned beef dishes, with asado (grilled meats) and empanadas being popular favorites. Argentinian food is heavily influenced by European immigrants, especially from Italy and Spain.

At local events, you’ll find everything from traditional street food like tacos al pastor y arepas to full meals reflecting the depth of Hispanic culinary traditions.

3. Arts, Literature, and Media

Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time when the arts take center stage. Across the U.S., museums, galleries, bookstores, and theaters highlight Hispanic culture through special exhibits, film festivals, and author readings.

Museums: Institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C., offer exhibitions that explore the history and cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans, from pre-Columbian art to contemporary works.
Film Festivals: Many cities host Hispanic film festivals showcasing works from Latino filmmakers, often addressing themes like immigration, identity, and social justice. The New York Latino Film Festival is just an example. For a full list of film festivals, make sure to see the resources list below.
Bookstores and Libraries: Hispanic authors often take the spotlight during this month, with special readings and book talks highlighting works by notable writers such as Isabel Allende, Sandra Cisneros, y Junot Díaz. Libraries frequently host events discussing the works of Hispanic writers and their influence on American literature.

These artistic expressions not only provide entertainment but also offer deeper insights into the lived experiences of Hispanic communities, past and present.

4. Educational Programs and History

Education is a key component of Hispanic Heritage Month, as it provides an opportunity to learn about the contributions of Hispanic Americans to U.S. history and culture. Schools and universities across the country incorporate Hispanic heritage into their curriculum during this month, teaching students about influential Hispanic figures, history, and social issues.

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Influential Figures: Schools often focus on the lives of Hispanic pioneers and leaders, such as labor leader César Chávez, civil rights advocate Dolores Huerta, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. These individuals have had a lasting impact on American society, politics, and culture.
Hispanic Heritage Lessons: Teachers incorporate lesson plans that focus on the impact of Hispanic Americans in fields like the arts, politics, business, and education. Classroom activities might include discussions on Hispanic American civil rights movements, the cultural impact of Hispanic music and dance, or the achievements of Hispanic scientists and engineers.

These educational efforts aim to inspire young people of all backgrounds to appreciate the vital role that Hispanic Americans have played in shaping the country.

5. Government and Corporate Recognition

In addition to community events, Hispanic Heritage Month is formally recognized by the U.S. government and many corporations.

Government Proclamations: Every year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation that honors Hispanic Americans and their contributions. State and local governments also issue similar proclamations and may hold public events or receptions to mark the occasion.
Corporate America: Many companies participate in Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting internal events, such as employee panels or diversity workshops, to celebrate the contributions of their Hispanic workforce. Some brands also launch campaigns or products that cater to the Hispanic market, highlighting the economic power of this community.

6. The Role of Media

Media plays a powerful role in amplifying Hispanic voices and stories during Hispanic Heritage Month. Many TV networks, radio stations, and online platforms create special programming

that highlights Hispanic achievements and discusses issues facing the Hispanic community.

Special TV Programming: Channels like Univision y Telemundo often air documentaries and interviews with influential Hispanic Americans. English-language networks like PBS y CNN may also feature special segments focused on Hispanic history and culture.
Social Media Campaigns: During Hispanic Heritage Month, many organizations and individuals use platforms like Instagram,and TikTok to share stories, promote events, and engage with audiences about Hispanic culture. Hashtags like #HispanicHeritageMonth y #LatinxHeritage often trend, creating widespread visibility for the community.

Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities: Despite these efforts, there’s still much work to be done. Media representation can often be superficial or limited. To create a more meaningful impact, media outlets must continue expanding their coverage and provide deeper, more nuanced portrayals of Hispanic lives and contributions. Additionally, engaging with diverse voices within the Hispanic community can ensure that all perspectives are represented.

By actively supporting and participating in media initiatives that promote authentic Hispanic stories, we can help drive a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of Hispanic culture, paving the way for continued progress and understanding.

How to Get Involved and Celebrate

If you’re looking to get involved in Hispanic Heritage Month, there are many ways to participate, whether you’re of Hispanic descent or simply interested in learning more about the culture. Here are some ideas:

Attend a Festival or Event: Many cities host Hispanic Heritage Month events, ranging from large festivals to smaller community gatherings. Check out what’s happening in your area and immerse yourself in the music, food, and culture.
Learn About Hispanic History: Take time to research Hispanic historical figures and their impact on U.S. history. You can find resources at local libraries, museums, or online.
Support Hispanic-Owned Businesses: During this month, make an effort to support Hispanic-owned businesses in your community. This could be anything from restaurants and food trucks to shops and online stores.
Read Books by Hispanic Authors: Explore literature from the Hispanic world by reading books from authors like Gabriel García Márquez, Julia Alvarez, o Esmeralda Santiago.
Try a New Dish: Celebrate Hispanic culture by cooking a dish from a country you’re not familiar with. Look up recipes for traditional meals from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, or other Latin American countries.
Support Latine Bloggers by reading, engaging, and sharing their content: this month is a great time to explore the perspectives and stories shared by Latine bloggers, writers, and content creators. By reading their blogs, watching their videos, or following their social media accounts, you can gain deeper insights into Hispanic culture, history, and contemporary issues.

Engage with our content by leaving thoughtful comments or sharing their work with your audience. This not only amplifies our voices but also creates a community of support and learning around the stories we share. By actively engaging with and supporting Latine creators, you help ensure that our unique perspectives continue to thrive and reach wider audiences.

Final Thoughts: The Lasting Impact of Hispanic Heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact Hispanic Americans have had on the United States. Hispanic Americans have enriched every part of the nation’s culture. This month provides a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity, and learn about the experiences and contributions of the Hispanic and Laino communities.

By taking part in the celebrations and learning about Hispanic heritage, we can all contribute to a more inclusive, understanding, and appreciative society.

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!