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What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

K T Solis
K T Solis

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of the history, achievements, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on 15 September, the day of independence for five Latin American countries. These five countries are El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Interestingly, Mexico won its independence on 16 September, while Chile gained its freedom on 18 September.

President Lyndon Johnson was the first president to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration in 1968. At that time, the celebration lasted only a week. On 17 August 1988, President Ronald Regan extended the celebration to a month. Today, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from 15 September to 15 October each year.

Lyndon Johnson was the first US leader to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration.
Lyndon Johnson was the first US leader to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration.

In the U.S., Latinos and Hispanics have made valuable contributions to society with achievements in science, art, entertainment, politics, sports, and various other fields. It's important that Americans take time to recognize these achievements in order to deepen their appreciation for this rich, diverse culture. Teachers can help students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in many interesting ways.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on  Sept. 15, the same day that five Latin American countries celebrate their independence.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, the same day that five Latin American countries celebrate their independence.

Some teachers create units that allow them to teach about the Hispanic culture in every aspect of the curriculum. Teaching about the contributions of Latinos and Hispanics builds self-esteem and pride in the students who identify themselves as part of the Hispanic community. It helps other students gain an appreciation and respect for the culture and realize that the U.S. is a country of diversity.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, some teachers try to incorporate the Spanish language throughout the school day. They may read children a book that uses Spanish vocabulary or show a movie that teaches kids the Spanish language. Students might make a miniature dictionary of Spanish vocabulary as well.

Another way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to become immersed in various types of music from Hispanic cultures. Teachers may bring CDs that encompass different genres of music originating from Mexico, Cuba, or Spain. In this way, students are exposed to music that they may have never heard before. An ambitious teacher may even invite a dance teacher to instruct students on Mexican folk dance, Spanish flamenco, or the merengue, a popular social dance from the Dominican Republic.

Students can read books about famous Hispanic Americans or design posters that highlight the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos. They can learn to cook foods from a variety of Hispanic or Latin American countries. Some students may enjoy making crafts that originated from Spanish-speaking countries as well. They can make piñatas, papel picado, or some other craft from Hispanic culture.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

@feruze-- I'm in middle school and my teachers have special activities for us during Hispanic Heritage Month.

We play games and do puzzles that teach about Hispanic culture. Next week, we are all supposed to bring food that has Hispanic origin like quesadillas. And my teacher will play Spanish music for us on that day.

I'm really looking forward to it. I have several friends whose parents are from South America and I like learning about their culture.

donasmrs

@feruze-- If you ever go to Washington D.C. in September, you should make sure to go for the Latino Festival that takes place on 23rd September of every year.

It's a really great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. There is a parade downtown, music, and lots of food so you will love it!

bear78
I grew up in a community in the Midwest where there really were no Hispanics. I don't know if that was the reason but I don't remember celebrating or talking about Hispanic Culture Month at school at all.

I actually didn't even know about it until I started college. There were a lot of college students with Hispanic heritage and they would organize various events to teach other student about their culture. I used to attend these events every year. The best part was the food! I got to taste food from Mexico, El Salvador and Argentina. It was really nice.

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    • Lyndon Johnson was the first US leader to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration.
      By: John W. Schulze
      Lyndon Johnson was the first US leader to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration.
    • Hispanic Heritage Month begins on  Sept. 15, the same day that five Latin American countries celebrate their independence.
      By: emiliezhang
      Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, the same day that five Latin American countries celebrate their independence.