8 Facts about Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15th to October 15th, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a way to acknowledge the contribution of Hispanic ancestors to the culture and story of the country. You might wonder why these dates were chosen or when the celebration started. Although the term in which the Latino community is referred to over the years, like Latinx, Latine, Hispanic, Latin etc… 

Here we got you with some facts!

1. It was not always a month of observation. It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In its proclamation, it was stated he wished to pay special tribute to the Hispanic tradition, and the fact that five Central American neighbors celebrate their Independence Day on September 15th and the Republic of Mexico on the 16th. 
2. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. 
3. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. 
4. It was celebrated as Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time in 1989.
5. The day the commemoration begins is not random: September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
6. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively.
7. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12th, falls within this 30-day period.
8. Each year, there’s a theme, and for 2022 it is: “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

Why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It’s a tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our society in the United States. 

Also, a recognition of the mixed origins of the country and the importance of Hispanic or Latin population. To understand that, according to the Census Bureau, in 2020, the U.S. Hispanic or Latino (of any race) population was 62.1 million. That means that Hispanics constituted 18.5% of the nation’s total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. 

In 2021, The American Presidency Project proclaimed: “National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of how much strength we draw as a Nation from our immigrant roots and our values as a Nation of immigrants. I am proud to recognize my four Hispanic Cabinet Secretaries—Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman—who are all leading executive departments that oversee critical components of American life.”

In 2022, the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Theme selected, through a voting process, is: “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) explained that it “encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation”. 

How to celebrate your Hispanic Roots

So, it’s the perfect moment to embrace and celebrate your Hispanic or Latin roots and appreciate how important they are to a diverse and enriched community. There are many ways to do that. In the official website you can find many events, for families and teachers, and shows during the month of observance. 

Furthermore,  you can also search for that recipe your grandmother used to cook and prepare it to honor her and her legacy, wear that typical dress or shirt your Latin family gave you for a special occasion, reread a book in Spanish you read when you were little. Anything that helps you connect and feel proud of your Spanish heritage.