Every year from September 15 to October 15, America recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our country’s history, culture, and achievements.
Hispanic Heritage Month started as a commemorative week in 1968; it was later expanded in 1988 to cover a 31-day period.
Unlike many commemorative months, Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 instead of the first of the month because that day coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Additionally, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, Chile celebrates on September 18, and Belize celebrates on September 21.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to honor the culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Here are some ways you can take part in celebrating.
Many cities will host parades, concerts, runs, festivals, and more in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. You can find something local to you to attend, or you can look for a virtual event!
Learn more about Hispanic history and culture and use that knowledge to educate others. Read a few articles online or maybe a book that catches your eye.
There might be a museum or cultural center near you where you can learn more about Hispanic culture in person, or you can visit one virtually! Like the Museo Frida Kahlo, which you can explore online here, or the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the America Latino which can be found here.
Whether you prefer YouTube, Spotify, or another music streaming service, look for playlists dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month.
Explore traditional recipes and why they’re significant, like tamales, empanadas, or maybe something sweet like Tres Leches Cake.
Share and interact with posts celebrating the month — it’s an easy way to learn more information and share that with the people you’re connected with online!
Find a local or online Hispanic-owned business that offers products or services you’re interested in, or if you already have a favorite Hispanic-owned business you regularly buy from, highlight it online for others.
Learn more about famous Hispanic and Latino figures or pioneers in American history, like Civil Rights leaders Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta, or Dr. Ellen Ochoa the first Latina to go to space.
Dancing serves as a central part of community events and celebrations for Hispanic and Latino Americans; it’s a way to showcase the diverse heritage of different regions. You can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by trying your hand at dancing, like the cha-cha or salsa.
Watch a movie, read a book or poem, or view art made by Hispanic and Latino artists. PBS offers this collection of programs and documentaries that feature Hispanic and Latino stories.
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