Hispanic Heritage Month

9/15/2024 - 10/15/2024

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latine/x history and culture. It is important to celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, however from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

*It's important to remember that Latino/a/x/e and Hispanic are pan-racial labels, and that there is a diverse range of cultures, languages and people within it.

Language

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with over 20 countries using it as their official language. Spanish itself is also very diverse as most regions speak in their own dialects/variations.

These Latin American regions also have many Indigenous languages that were here long before Spanish Colonization.

Language isn't just used for communication, its essential to people's cultures and ways of life. In fact being bilingual has cognitive benefits, such as improving memory, problem-solving skills, and even delaying the onset of dementia.

Here's an article by Scholar Antonio Campos, and a video by Professor Christina Mora sharing a glimpse of their personal journey navigating these similar, but unique labels.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/choosing-the-right-word-hispanic-latino-and-latinx

Latino/a/x/e

Someone who is native of, or descends from, a Latin American country.
Latinx/e has become widely used by academics and youth, both due to its inclusivity with gender and its sense of solidarity from its colonizer.

Hispanic:

Someone who is native of/or descends from, a Spanish-speaking country.

Historic Figures

There are many historic figures that come from Hispanic/Latin American backgrounds. Their success proves that it's possible to break barriers and social norms to achieve any career.

Below are some historic figures that have made an impact on the world.

Dr. Ellen Ochoa

Ochoa flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery and became the first Latina to go to space in 1993. Her inspirational journey includes a 30-year career with NASA and serving as Johnson Space Center’s first Hispanic director.

Sonia Sotomayor

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Justice Sotomayor broke boundaries in 2009 when she became the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Sylvia Rivera

A Puerto Rican-Venezuelan activist, Sylvia Rivera was a loud voice in the fight for gay and transgender communities. She criticized racism and economic exclusion within the LGBT community.

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta

Instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, Cesar Chavez(link is external) and Dolores Huerta(link is external) were leaders in the fight against the unfair treatment of farm workers in the United States. In 1962, they founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later merged with other unions to become the United Farm Workers of America.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Miranda(link is external) is an award-winning composer, playwright, and actor known for being the creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.” He continues to be a leader in the entertainment industry through his involvement in projects such as Disney’s “Moana” and “Encanto.” Miranda remains active in his efforts to increase the representation of people of color.

Selena Quintanilla

"Queen of Tejano"

Selena Quintanilla earned her Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album in 1994, making her the first female Tejano artist to win the award. Her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century.

Roy Benavidez

Master Sergeant Raul Perez "Roy" Benavidez was a United States Army soldier. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism, four Purple Hearts and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valorous actions in combat near Lộc Ninh, South Vietnam.

Celebrations/Holidays

There are many "Celebrations/Holidays" in Latin America, here are two of the more well known ones that brings the family and community at large together. Festivities are often filled with traditional/homemade outfits, food, activities and in this case, HUGE parades.

Dia De Los Meurtos (Day of the Dead)

Dia De Los Muertos is a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one(s) being honored.

November 1st

Dia de los Angelitos

Spirits of the children

At midnight on Nov 1st, the spirits of all deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families. Festivities are geared towards younger ages.

November 2

Día de los Difuntos

Spirits of the adults

At midnight on Nov 2nd, the spirits of all deceased adults are believed to be reunited with their families. Festivities are geared towards adults.

November 2 (Noon)

Día de los Muertos

(Spirits of all the dead)

Around noon on Day 2, the grand finale and public celebration of Dia de Muertos takes place. In more recent times, people come together in their cities, dressed up with Calavera painted faces (Skeletons) and have parades in the streets. Cemetery visits are also common on the last day as families will go to decorate the grave sites with Marigold flowers, gifts, and sugar skulls with the departed’s name on them. It’s customary to clean the grave stone and restore the color.

Carnaval (Carnival)

Carnaval is celebrated before Lent, usually in February or March, in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.

Citizens will fill the streets with Parades, dancing, elaborate costumes, and lots of music throughout the day. Carnaval is one of the largest and most energetic festivals in the world, with Rio de Janeiro’s celebration being the most famous.

Identity is essential to living life well, thus it's important to recognize and validate the diverse cultural identities of the world. Too often people live in the mainstream culture, where they have to accommodate to western society and leave their true selves at home. Let us celebrate all of the love, respect, cultures, and ways of life that the Hispanic/Latino/a/e/x communities have shared with the world.

HAPPY HISPANIC/LATINO/A/E/X HERITAGE MONTH!!!!!

Page updated

Report abuse