Hispanic Heritage Month

Writer: Deianarah Riquelme

Editor: Deilani Riquelme

September 15 2025

Introduction
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich traditions, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic communities. At StFX, students have the opportunity to come together and celebrate their diverse identities and histories.

Theme
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 is Heritage Voices: Past, Present, Future. In other words, we are reminded to honour the Hispanic heroes of the past who shaped our world, to appreciate the vibrant cultures in our present day, and look forward with hope to the future achievements of Hispanic communities.

Recognizing a Distinctive Teacher

We interviewed Mr. Lira, a StFX Chilean psychology teacher who initiated the Latin American club, about hispanic culture and here's what he had to say.

Can you share some facts about your country?

“Chile is the longest country in the world
- has driest desert in the north
- Central Chile is mediterranean climate
- Southern Chile has rainforest climate
- The tip of Chile is Antarctic and has penguins
- There are beaches on the west coast, and the Andes mountain range on the east coast
- They speak Spanish in Chile
- Empanadas are the national dish
- The poncho originated in Chile"

Why do you think it’s important that Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated?

“It’s important for non-Latin people to be knowledgeable of Latin countries and be aware through experience, literature, and music, also to not be so isolated from the world.”

What message would you like to share to the hispanic students?

“Come join Latin American club in room 202 to meet fellow Latin American students, and be proud of where you’re from since there isn’t much representation.”

Student Opinion
We also had an interview with a Latin American student. This is their opinion on Hispanic Heritage Month:

What do you think the school can do better for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?

“Personally, what I think the school can do to celebrate Hispanic heritage month is making announcements or mentioning on the morning announcement video about the culture and the countries that are included, and how important it is to acknowledge Hispanic history.”

Have you celebrated any events related to Hispanic Heritage Month?

“Though, my family may not celebrate events that are mostly known to people, but these are some we do celebrate, like for example, Honduras’ Independence Day on September 15th. This date is celebrated as it is when we parted from Spain and became our own country on September 15th, 1821. A very known event to celebrate in Latino culture is a quinceañera. I have only been to two quinceañeras in my life, but this event is special in Hispanic culture due to its meaning, when a girl enters into womanhood and has a celebrated coming-of-age party for her.”

What is your favourite hispanic food?

“A favourite food of mine is a dish named Baleada. It consists of a Tortilla, mashed refried beans, cheese or a spoonful of Honduran cream. Then, after you are done with choosing what you want to be inside of the tortilla it is then folded in half and eaten. This dish is widely known in Honduras and eaten as breakfast.”

Conclusion

From September 15th to October 15th, we are invited to learn and celebrate the beauty of different cultures. By living through our Catholic Social Teachings, we can show respect for Hispanic culture and recognize how their heritage has enriched many different lives.