The explanation behind the dates for Hispanic Heritage Month spanning from September 15 to October 15.
Let's Talk Hispanic Heritage Month!
Get ready to step into a rich tapestry of culture, history, and contribution, my friends! I'm here to fill you in on all things Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), a month-long celebration kicking off on September 15 each year.
What Does HHM Stand For?
Back in 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson took the first step in honoring the great contributions of Hispanic Americans, by signing a proclamation for a week-long recognition dubbed "National Hispanic Heritage Week." Fast forward to 1987, Representative Esteban Torres from California expanded the celebration to encompass a full-month spectacle, which was eventually signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Why September 15 to October 15?
Being the curious cat I am, I dug a little deeper, and you'll want to hear this! HHM's timing coincides with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. To add some Mexican flair, their independence day falls on September 16th, and Chile's independence day graces the calendar on September 18th. By aligning the celebration with these momentous dates, we're able to celebrate the rich heritage and cultural contributions of these countries during HHM.
Bonus: Understanding the Terms "Latino" and "Hispanic"
Let's clear up a bit of confusion. "Latino" and "Hispanic" are often used interchangeably, but they don't always mean the same thing. The terms describe individuals of Latin American or Caribbean descent, but a "Hispanic" person has a connection to Spain and the Spanish language, while a "Latino" encompasses anyone with roots in Latin America or the Caribbean. By using "Latino," we can acknowledge the diversity of peoples with roots in the area, including those with African, Indigenous, Asian, and European ancestry.
Join the Party!
If you're in the La Porte, Indiana, area, mark your calendars for September 14th for a HHM kick-off bash at the La Porte Branch Library from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. It's going to be filled with live mariachis, ballet folklorico performances, story time with author Adriana Camacho-Church, crafts, delicious food, and fun for the whole family!
More HHM Events Waiting for You at Your Library!
Looking for more ways to celebrate HHM? Check out the host of events at your library!
Learn More about Hispanic Heritage
Want to gear up and get a head start on learning about Hispanic heritage? My recommendations include the following:
- Perez Mendoza, Brenda: Herencia
- Neumann, Caryn E: Latino History Day by Day
Keep your taste buds happy and explore the rich flavors of Latin cooking with these books:
- Martínez, Rick (Chef): Mi Cocina
- Mesquita, Olivia: Authentic Brazilian Home Cooking
- Velasquez, Mariana: Colombiana
- Mota, Vanessa: The Dominican Kitchen
Happy learning and celebrating, you fantastic individuals!
Sources
[1] "Hispanic Heritage Month: History." Office of Public Affairs, NPR.gov. [https://www.npr.org/2013/09/15/221489414/hispanic-heritage-month-history][2] "Hispanic Heritage Month: Why It Runs from September 15 to October 15." Time and Date.com. [https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/hispanic-heritage-month][3] "Hispanic Heritage Month: Historically Important Dates." Conari.com. [https://www.conari.com/hispanic-heritage-month-historically-important-dates/][4] "Why Is National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated?" History.com. [https://www.history.com/news/why-is-national-hispanic-heritage-month-celebrated][5] "Hispanic Heritage Month: The Importance of the Dates." Hispanically Speaking News. [https://hshq.com/2021/09/hispanic-heritage-month-the-importance-of-the-dates-celebrating-the-contributions-of-our-forebears/]
- Delve into a plethora of events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) at your local library.
- To enhance your understanding of Hispanic heritage, consider reading books such as "Herencia" by Brenda Perez Mendoza, "Latino History Day by Day" by Caryn E Neumann, or "The Dominican Kitchen" by Vanessa Mota.
- For a taste of Latin culture, explore the rich culinary offerings in books like "Mi Cocina" by Rick Martinez, "Authentic Brazilian Home Cooking" by Olivia Mesquita, "Colombiana" by Mariana Velasquez, or "The Dominican Kitchen" by Vanessa Mota.
- As you immerse yourself in HHM celebrations, don't forget to keep abreast of events on social media, including cultural travel tips and entertainment updates related to Hispanic heritage.
