Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans and to learn more about their history and culture. It’s also a good opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the Hispanic community, which now comprises more than half of the US population.
Hispanic heritage is a broad term that encompasses the diverse cultures of the Americas, from Mexico and Puerto Rico to Peru and Chile. Those cultures have shaped the United States and continue to influence the nation today, contributing to its rich and vibrant society.
In fact, the 2020 census showed that nearly one-fifth of the nation’s growth was due to Hispanic and Latino communities. And that growth is expected to accelerate. “The country needs to understand that there is no one Hispanic story,” says Cadava, who recommends engaging with books and films, watching documentaries – his top picks include PBS’s “Latino America” series and the podcast “Latino USA” – and attending cultural events.
Some of the most popular Hispanic heritage celebrations in the United States are food festivals, dance performances, film festivals and parades. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, for example, is well known for its annual Dia de los Muertos block party where youth participate in making food and decorations.
Other ways to engage in Hispanic heritage includes visiting historic sites, cooking traditional Latino recipes and learning Spanish. And of course, many people find a sense of pride in celebrating their Hispanic heritage all year round, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month.
In recent years, Hispanic Heritage Month has been expanded beyond the week in September that was originally designated by President Richard Nixon to a monthlong celebration. That expansion came under President Ronald Reagan, with Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois submitting a bill that was passed into law.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers a collection of resources for Hispanic Heritage Month, including a teacher’s guide, video clips from several episodes of the PBS documentary series “Latino Americans” and lesson plans for grades K-12. You can also visit the National Park Service website for a listing of properties with Hispanic heritage connections.
While the term Hispanic is broadly used to describe a group of people with diverse histories, many people prefer to use the terms Latina and Latino to promote inclusivity. Other labels such as Chicano, Tejano and Boricua are also widely used. Some people are beginning to use the non-gendered term Latinx, which proponents say offers gender equality. The many names show the richness and complexity of a population that stretches from present-day southwestern U.S. states to the southern tip of South America and all the countries and islands in between.