National Hispanic Heritage Month honors and remembers the countless contributions Hispanic-Americans and people from Spanish-speaking countries have had not only in American culture and society, but the impact they've had around the world.  It was first celebrated in 1968 under a proclamation from President Lyndon B.Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988,  under President Ronald Reagan, it was expanded to a full month starting on September 15th and running through October 15th.

We polled  WYWLA students about Hispanic Heritage Month and this is what they said:

What is a Quinceañera? How do you explain it to someone who is not of your heritage?

A quince is a coming of age party where a girl enters womanhood at 15. It usually has a religious ceremony in which the girls is presented unto her church community as a young lady.  A celebration oftentimes follows in which she is presented onto her community of loved ones as well.   Quinceañeras are a traditional celebration throughout Latin America.  

When did you celebrate yours?

I celebrated mine during the summer, on June 29th. 

What special elements of your Quince honored your heritage?

I had a very traditional theme from Mexico. My song choices were all typical Mexican music. We also had chinelos who are masked dancers, they are a big part of culture in Morelos, Mexico.   Some traditions that quinces may have include the changing of the shoe (from a sneaker to a high heel shoe), the last doll (the girl is presented her last doll by her father or family member), the first dance (this may be a waltz with her father), the court of honor (this may include a number of the girls' female friends and honorary escorts for the girls made of of teen boys).

What color was your dress?  Any particular reason?

My dress was white with red and gold details. I always liked the colors red and gold and knew that they would suit me. There had also never been a quinceañera with a white dress in my family and I wanted to be unique.  

What were three special moments of your Quince?

The religious ceremony was very special to me because it was at a church where I had grown up going to and it was filled with lots of sweet feelings. When I arrived at my venue and did my entrance was also a special moment because I felt my family and friend’s support. The father-daughter dance was also a special moment because my dad and I have always had a good relationship and in that moment I realized how much he wanted this day for me.  

How long did you rehearse?  What was most difficult/challenging?

I rehearsed for around 2 months. Finding my chambelanes,  male escorts was difficult as most of my male cousins are not my age so I had to choose friends and my mom's friend's son!

Any special guests that came from afar to celebrate your special day?

My cousins and aunts came from Mexico, some other family members also came from Houston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City.

HISPANIC HERITAGE RESOURCES

OTHER OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS