October 31st

"Trick-or-treat!” A nostalgic phrase that around 60 million children in the U.S say every Halloween. This tradition is a big money maker for candy producers as sales skyrocket in October. In 2025, there is a $3.9 - $4.2 billion projection for candy sales this Halloween.  Whether you are the trick-or-treater or the one handing out the candy, candy can be enjoyed by everyone. The top three best-selling candies in the U.S. are surprisingly all chocolate. First place goes to Reese’s Peanut butter cups, with around $406 million in sales revenue each year. Second place goes to M&Ms, and third place goes to Twix. Even though M&M sells more candy each year, Reese’s peanut butter cups are more expensive and therefore generate more in sales revenue. So maybe this year, when you dump your candy bag out and start looking for your favorites, you can remember these statistics. Happy Trick-or-Treating! 

September 15th - October 15th

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Some of the celebrations for the month include cultural festivals, parades, literature, and art. Some people may also support Hispanic-owned businesses, improve their Spanish skills, and educate themselves more about the traditions and history. The reason for the month being celebrated in between months is that many countries in Central America celebrate their independence days within these dates. The start date marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15), with Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 18), and Belize (September 21)  also celebrating independence during this time. It was first recognized in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and it was then expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

October 13th

Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes people of Indigenous descent and their major contributions to our society, including things like medicine, agriculture, travel, and invention. Although many of these contributions often go unrecognized in celebrations, we highlight their legacy and major impact on our country. It is really important to note that there are hundreds of tribes, languages, traditions, and ways of life with which many people celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, so it wouldn't be justified to summarize them into one paragraph. If you want to learn more:

Diwali is a cultural festival most popularly known as the festival of lights. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the blessings that come with freedom. It is typically celebrated by millions of people across India, with several different religions from India having their own take on the festivities. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists are the main religions that celebrate Diwali, each celebrating different Gods and influential people in their respective religions. It is most commonly referred to as the festival of lights because of the tradition of lighting candles on the night of Diwali. Also, Diwali always takes place in October, which is the Hindu month of Kartik, more specifically, on the day that is the darkest based on the lunar month, referred to as the Day of the New Moon. No matter the religion specifically being celebrated, Diwali is commemorated by the lighting of candles and the celebration of light beating darkness and good triumphing over evil.