Hispanic Heritage Month: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It’s Celebrated

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs through October 15, providing the United States an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who come from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain.

Emily Key, director of education at the Smithsonian Latino Center, emphasizes that "the Latino community and its history are fundamental to the history of the U.S. Recognizing them is crucial to understanding our identity."

Origins of the Celebration

This month starts in mid-September to commemorate the independence of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15, while Mexico does so on the 16th and Chile on the 18th.

The history of this celebration dates back to 1968, when a "National Hispanic Heritage Week" was established by a law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In his inaugural statement, Johnson highlighted the valuable contributions of people of Hispanic descent in culture, business, and science, as well as their bravery in battles.

It wasn't until nearly 20 years later, during Ronald Reagan's administration, that this celebration was extended to an entire month. Congressman Esteban Torres advocated for this expansion, emphasizing the shared legacy of Latinos in various fields such as art and science.

Notable Growth

Hispanic Heritage Month not only celebrates history but also highlights the growing presence of Latinos in the U.S. population. According to the 2020 census, 62.1 million people identified as Hispanic or Latino, making up 18% of the population, a 23% increase since 2010.

Félix Sánchez, president of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, underscores that this month is an opportunity to showcase who Latinos are today, providing a contemporary context that highlights their diversity.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

There are numerous ways to commemorate this month: through books, films, documentaries, or community events. Visiting museums that offer resources on Latino history or simply talking with neighbors about their culture are excellent ways to participate.

Key suggests viewing this month as a starting point for learning more about the rich Hispanic heritage and its impact on the country.

Experts agree that the celebration of Hispanic heritage is not limited to this month. Ideally, Hispanic Heritage Month should serve as a constant reminder that Latino heritage is an integral part of American identity. According to Cadava, "it would be ideal if this month were unnecessary, as Hispanic heritage and American heritage are one and the same."

Sánchez adds, "This month is an occasion to reaffirm achievements within the Latino community, but also to remind everyone that we are all Americans."

Sources: CNN