The month of September marks National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. It commemorates the contributions of Americans with Hispanic and Latino roots and celebrates their cultures, traditions and values. Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to learn more about the rich history of the Americas and beyond, which spans over 500 years. Here are some resources and tips to help you get started.
A hispanic heritage may refer to a person who is from, or the descendant of a person who is from, any of the countries in the Americas that speak Spanish. This includes Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands.
In the United States, Hispanic Americans (Hispanic and Latino) have played a crucial role in shaping U.S culture and democracy. They have made significant contributions in many fields, including science, literature and music. They are also an important part of the nation’s military, business and civic leadership.
There are more than 50 million Hispanics and Latinos in the United States, making up almost half of the population. They are the fastest-growing racial group in the country. They are the largest minority in the workforce, and they account for the largest share of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
Their diverse backgrounds and experiences have contributed to our nation’s unique character. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the resilience of this dynamic community.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a weeklong celebration of the American communities with deep connections to Spain and the Spanish language. It was expanded to a month two decades later with legislation sponsored by California Rep. Edward R. Roybal and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Today, the term Hispanic encompasses a broad range of people and cultures, but the broader definition has led to tension among activists, government officials and media networks who use the term to pursue political and economic goals. Hispanic Heritage Month is a moment to reflect on how we use and understand the word Hispanic in our lives, Cadava said.
For some, the term Hispanic doesn’t capture their identity or history — they prefer to use the more nuanced terms Latina and Latino. This is because these identifiers allow them to more accurately describe their heritage, which encompasses a vast geography and many different cultures from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the other 22 nations that make up Latin America.
National Park Service sites are hosting in-person and virtual events for Hispanic Heritage Month. For example, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is partnering with Lil’ Libros, a publisher of bilingual children’s books, for a Fotos & Recuerdos festival featuring story times and crafts. The National Postal Service is also celebrating with new Forever stamps featuring pinatas, the handmade party favorites typically associated with blindfolded kids whacking at them to try and crack open candy inside.