Understanding Hispanic Heritage Month: From History to Celebrations
Imagine a month-long celebration where you get to enjoy delicious foods, dance to lively music, and immerse yourself in the beauty of diverse traditions. That’s exactly what Hispanic Heritage Month is all about! Every year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States comes alive with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a period to recognize, acknowledge, and honor the rich history, diverse traditions, and culture of the Hispanic community, and their invaluable contributions and influence to the American culture. Whether you’re Hispanic or not, there’s always something to enjoy and learn! So let’s explore its origins and significance, from history to celebrations, and the different ways you can join in this colorful fiesta.
History
The celebration of Hispanic Heritage began in 1968 as a week-long celebration under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 coinciding with the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries or “Fiestas Patrias” of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
Significance
The Hispanic community includes people from 20 Spanish-speaking countries with distinct cultures and traditions. This celebration is a time to recognize the unique heritage, and contributions of Hispanic Americans to the US history, economy, and culture through music, dance, food, art, and storytelling.
Famous and Influential Hispanics
Cesar Chavez: An iconic labor leader and civil rights activist. Founded the United F Workers (UFW) union, advocating for better working conditions and wages for farmworkers. His efforts led to improvements in labor rights for agricultural workers.
Sonia Sotomayor: Appointed as the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in 2009. She is known for her advocacy for minority rights and gender equality in the legal system.
Rita Moreno: An Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning actress. She is known as an advocate for Latino representation in the entertainment industry and for her groundbreaking performances in film, television, and theater.
Ellen Ochoa: A former astronaut, she became the first Hispanic woman in space in 1993. She later served as the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Raul Julia: An accomplished Puerto Rican actor best known for his role as Gomez Addams in “The Addams Family” film.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: The first Hispanic woman elected to the US House of Representatives. She served in Congress for nearly three decades, advocating for various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights.
Alex Rodriguez: A retired Major League Baseball Player, he is one of the sport’s all-time greats and a prominent figure in the Hispanic community. He has also been involved in philanthropy and broadcasting.
Why is important to celebrate?
Hispanic communities across the United States come alive with vibrant events and festivities like parades, food festivals, lectures and workshops, art exhibits, and cultural performances organized to celebrate the occasion.
Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a way to acknowledge the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans but also a way to promote diversity and inclusivity by learning about other cultures and appreciating their rich traditions. It also makes us aware of the challenges that minority communities face and how we can better advocate for their rights.
From exploring music and dance to embracing their cuisine, to attending festivals and cultural events, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Hispanic experience. So as you join in the “fiesta” take some time to reflect that “El Mes de la Herencia Hispana” (Hispanic Heritage Month) is not only fun and fiesta but also a powerful opportunity to promote diversity and inclusivity.