From September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the contribution of Hispanics and Latinos to the country’s culture. However, like me, you may have many questions about this commemoration, such as when it was declared a national month, why it is always celebrated on this date, what the difference is between Latinos and Hispanics, and the activities that take place during the month. That’s why I invite you to keep reading and discover some interesting facts about Hispanic Heritage Month.
Visit the website of the US Library of Congress: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
The proclamation of this month began thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s initiative in 1968, who established National Hispanic Heritage Week, starting on September 15, where activities, especially in educational institutions, were held to promote participation. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that President Ronald Reagan revived the initiative, which later became Public Law (100-402), extending the celebration to a month.
Hispanic Heritage Month doesn’t start in the middle of September by chance. It corresponds to the independence dates of several Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. It’s also significant for Mexico, which celebrates its independence on the 16th, and for Chile on the 18th of September (which also happens to be my birthday, by the way). Additionally, Columbus Day falls within this period, on October 12.
When we talk about Latinos, it refers more to geography. A Latino is someone born in most Central American countries, South American countries, some in the Caribbean, and Mexico. On the other hand, ‘Hispanic’ emphasizes language. A person is considered Hispanic if they are native or of descent from a Spanish-speaking country. For example, Brazil is a Latin country but not a Hispanic one because its official language is Portuguese. There’s much more to say about this, but perhaps we’ll save it for another article.
During this month, various activities related to food, reading, plays, music, art, and more can be organized. Social media platforms are flooded with information on the topic as people share their traditions, making it an excellent space for exchanging ideas. Participation is active, involving educational institutions, human rights organizations, museums, institutions, and many more.
Many people have their own unique way of celebrating, but it’s an excellent opportunity to try some dishes, watch documentaries, read articles of interest, and even learn more about the culture and language. It’s a way to connect with one’s origins, remembering the Hispanic influence in the United States and honoring their roots and achievements in the present.
At WorldsAcross, we are no exception, and we want to invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and experience connecting with our culture through learning Spanish. We look forward to having you! We’d also love to hear your opinions and the activities you enjoy during these 30 days.