Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate your culture
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on the 15th of September each year. The reason the month-long observance begins on the 15th, as opposed to the 1st like many other observations, is because September 15th marks the anniversary of independence for not one but five Latin American countries. El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala all gained their independence on September 15th. Plus, Mexico became an independent nation on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th.
In 1968, the United States Congress approved the President Lyndon B. Johnson’s bill to implement the national recognition of Hispanic Heritage Week. Later, in 1988, the observance was extended to one full month, dating September 15 through October 15 of each year, and thus Hispanic Heritage Month was born.
Hispanic people, also known as Spanish or Latino people, are considered to be all those who can trace their origins to Mexico, Spain or any of the Spanish-speaking nations in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the United States today, more than 35 million people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and identify themselves as Latino or Hispanic.
Fly a Flag
Many people celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through the display of flags from their native country, as well as by holding parties and other cultural celebrations. Most television networks dedicate a month’s worth of programming to the observance of Hispanic heritage. In addition, most national retailers and many eateries offer discounts or coupons to honor Hispanic and Latino patrons. Video outlets and bookstores will dedicate displays and sales racks to film and literature that is relative to the Hispanic culture, and families nationwide take time to observe and display their own history.
Heritage Month Parties
If you plan to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year, consider throwing a party and gathering all your friends and family to dine on a feast of traditional Spanish foods. Display flags from each of the independent Spanish-speaking countries, and take some time to observe some of your favorite Hispanic cultural practices and icons.
You can learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month through a quick online search. You may also consider searching for some unique ways to bring Hispanic heritage to life in your home. Remember, Hispanic heritage may only be observed officially for one month out of the year, but there’s no reason you can’t celebrate your Hispanic heritage all year long!
