Whether you know them as Hispanics, Latinos or Latinas, Americans of Hispanic descent have made a huge impact in our country’s culture, music and politics. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, students can learn about their contributions and the challenges they still face. Teachers can find a wealth of resources to use in the classroom from a variety of federal agencies.
Hispanic heritage celebrates the diverse history and cultures of people whose ancestors hail from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands. As a result, their communities often have unique traditions and values that are reflected in the language they speak and the food they cook. One important characteristic is a strong emphasis on family. It is not uncommon for families to live together and for generations of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to play a role in the lives of young children.
The National Park Service and other historic sites across the country offer a chance to explore some of the cultures and experiences that are celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month. The photos in this gallery, for example, are taken at several parks where a variety of historic Spanish-language inscriptions have been preserved.
In 2021, those of Mexican origin accounted for the largest number of Hispanics in the U.S, with nearly 6 million people. Other major Hispanic subgroups include Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans and Colombians. Hispanics from different countries may identify differently, for instance, a person born in Brazil might prefer to be known as a Latino rather than a Brazilian, because the latter term implies an association with a country that speaks Portuguese and not Spanish.
The Hispanic population has grown in the United States, making it the second-fastest growing racial group after Asians. As a result, the voices of Hispanics in our country’s political system are more powerful than ever before. Last year, a record 41 Hispanics were elected to Congress.
But despite the positive effects of increased political representation, many Hispanics say they’re still underrepresented in other parts of society. Margie Del Castillo, the national director of field and advocacy for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, says Hispanic Heritage Month needs to “disrupt how it usually goes,” adding that more inclusion is needed, particularly for black, indigenous and brown Hispanic and Latinx people. In addition to focusing on family, she hopes the month will bring more attention to issues such as immigration rights and women’s rights.