Published September 1, 2024
Did you know that every year, from September 15th to October 15th, is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the US? This is a fun and festive time in which we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx culture and recognize the contributions of all the Latino, Latina, and Latinx people living in our country. Read on for a quick primer on this very special month.
The History of Hispanic Heritage Month
A couple of centuries ago, Puerto Rico and a very large portion of the American Southwest used to belong to Mexico, including Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. Through a combination of war, treaties, and immigration, the US not only gained all of this land, but also ended up with lots of Latinx people living in and contributing to the culture of our country. The US government decided to honor our Latinx citizens in 1968 by creating Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, that week got bumped up to a whole month!
So why do we start celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15th instead of September 1st? That’s because several Central American countries celebrate their independence days starting around the same time. According to the Smithsonian, the US wanted to schedule this month-long tribute during the same period as a way of calling attention to the resilience and determination of Latin American people.
Why Do We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic and Latinx people are one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States, exploding from a population of 50 million in 2010, to a whopping 63 million in 2020. So, they’re a very substantial, very vibrant portion of the US. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to honor their contributions, foster understanding, and inspire the next generation of Latinx Americans.
Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
This month is all about honoring the cultural contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx people. The best way to celebrate is by learning about the culture with your kids. Take a trip to your local library and ask the librarian if they have any good books on Hispanic heritage or about famous and important Latinx people. Or look up some videos on YouTube that you can watch together to learn more about this month and about Latinx culture.
And then plan a family field trip to go out and experience Latinx culture for yourselves! Here are just a few ways to do that:
Music
Whether you listen to current musicians, like Bad Bunny, or keep it classic with Shakira, Selena, or Gloria Estefan, Latinx music just has a way of getting you moving. But Latin culture isn’t just known for its artists. It’s also given rise to entire genres, like samba, salsa, and bossa nova. So, fire up the speakers and have a Latin music dance party with the family! Here’s a list of 10 of the most influential Hispanic musicians in the US to get you started.
Food
Your kids probably know about tacos and burritos by now. But do they know about some of the other Latin classics? Try some empanadas, which are usually ground beef, served in a lightly-fried dough. Then you have mole, which is a rich, complex, dark sauce, typically served over poultry. And who could forget about plantains? Kids go crazy for this fruit, which is similar to bananas.
Art
Looking at paintings can inspire creativity, discussion, and a larger appreciation for the arts. It can also be a stimulating way for your kids to “think beyond the screen.” So, consider introducing them to the paintings of Frida Khalo, a legendary Mexican painter who is famous for her vibrant self-portraits. They might also enjoy the vivid colors of Mamani, from Bolivia. And then there’s Fernando Botero, from Colombia, whose heightened version of reality always makes an impact.
Athletics
Baseball might be “America’s Pastime,” but Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela consistently produce some of the world’s best players. And if your kids like tennis, revisit 10 of the best female Latin American tennis players, each of whom left an undeniable mark on the sport. And then, there’s soccer. Brazil and Argentina always field a competitive team, as well as individual standouts, like Pelé and Lionel Messi.
Holidays
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that’s all about Mexican resilience. Día de los Muertos is a joyful way to remember your ancestors. And Carnaval, celebrated in Brazil, is a festive time for Brazilians to come together before Lent. These holidays do not fall during Hispanic Heritage Month, but this month is a great time to learn about each one, then put them on the calendar for celebrations later in the year.
Where Can You Celebrate Latino Heritage Month?
You can always listen to music, eat a Latin dish, or educate your kids from home. But a lot of the fun is getting out of the house and experiencing Latinx culture in the city. So, put September 21st on the calendar. Because that Saturday, from 12-8pm, there’s a FREE event in Indianapolis called “Fiesta.” This celebration, now in its 43rd year, has lots of activities, music, and food available for purchase. It’s a super fun, festive, affordable way to celebrate this important month. Learn more here.
Tags: Hispanic culture, Hispanic Heritage Month, Latinx culture