Hispanic
Heritage Month

A 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Image Credit: Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press Photo
By Danilley Silva

As the summer heat fades away and the fall breeze roams around the corner, the streets light up with colorful flags representing each and one of us.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a national celebration from the 15th of September to the 15thof October, where Hispanics recognize the contributions and cultural influence of the Hispanic and Latin communities in the United States. During this month Hispanics celebrate by sharing history, culture, and honoring citizens whose ancestors come from a Hispanic/Latin country.

Hispanic Heritage Month started as a memorial week, first introduced in June of 1968. It was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1988 and it was extended into a month by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month was an idea inspired by Hispanic/Latin politicians and activists who recognize and honor their roots.

The day September 15th is significant not only because it is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, but it is also the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These five countries had been under the Spanish crown for three centuries and after years of revolts, they all declared their independence in 1821. During the month of September, you can see Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and other Latin American countries all celebrate with their own unique traditions, from dances to music, speeches from leaders, food, fireworks, and so much more. The next day on September 16th Hispanics has Mexico Independence Day as Miguel Hidalgo issued “Grito de Dolores” in 1820. Miguel Hidalgo known as Father Hidalgo was the first to lead Mexico’s rebellion with his “Cry of Dolores. In addition, Chile also celebrates its Independence on the 18th of September.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the United States Army and Navy honor their fallen and active soldiers and sailors. On September 14, 2020, President Donald Trump said in a Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, “Hispanic Americans embody the best of our American values, including commitment to faith, family, and country. They serve in our military and protect us as members of law enforcement. In fact, Hispanic Americans make up half of our Border Patrol agents. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture, and economy.” Over the past thirty years, the representation of Hispanic-Americans on active duty has increased by ten percent.

Soldiers relax at a luncheon held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in September 2010
at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq.
Image Credits: The American Mosaic: The Latino American Experience, ABC-CLIO, 2021

Annual Events

• In Springdale, Holyoke, Massachusetts the Hispanic Family festival is held annually.
• In 2013 the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce established an annual Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival.
• In Tumacacori, Arizona, “La Fiesta de Tumacacori,” is held in December to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of the Arizona borderlands.
• In New York City Hispanic Day Parade takes place on Fifth Avenue the Sunday before or after Columbus Day to celebrate the last few days of Hispanic Heritage Month.
• The Arizonan Diamondbacks’ held an annual Hispanic Heritage Day street festival with Mariachi performers, ballet Folklorico dances, food, piñatas, and so much more.

Annual festivals are held everywhere in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, with beautiful traditions and delicious foods from Hispanic/Latin countries. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of the pandemic annual festivals were canceled. People still celebrated at home with their families for the Independence Day of their Hispanic/Latin countries. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to honor Hispanic roots and share their history, culture, traditions, and foods, with the rest of the world.

National Park Service collection.
Image Credit: Traditional Mexican folklórico dancers on stage at La Fiesta de Tumacácori. Patrick L. Christman, photographer, 2017.