Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that runs from September 15th to October 15th. The purpose of the month-long celebration is to recognize and honor the contributions, cultures, and histories of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The week-long celebration was established to commemorate the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which all gained independence on September 15th, 1821. Mexico also celebrates its independence day on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Week to a month-long observance that runs from September 15th to October 15th. The longer celebration was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, and is now officially recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
During this month, various events are organized to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. These events include cultural festivals, concerts, art exhibits, and educational programs that showcase the history, traditions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The month is also an opportunity to raise awareness about issues that impact the Hispanic and Latino community and to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the contributions of this diverse group of Americans.
Why Is Hispanic Heritage Month Split Over Two Months, Starting on September 15?
Hispanic Heritage Month is split over two months, starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th, for historical and cultural reasons.
September 15th marks the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These countries, along with Mexico and Chile, also celebrate their independence days during this period.
By starting Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15th, it allows for the recognition and celebration of the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States and Latin America. Additionally, the month-long celebration provides an opportunity to raise awareness about issues impacting the Hispanic and Latino community, promote greater understanding and appreciation of the contributions of this diverse group of Americans, and encourage dialogue and unity among all Americans.
Overall, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history and culture of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States and their many contributions to the country’s social, cultural, economic, and political fabric.
Some Facts and Figures About Hispanic and Latino in Us
Some facts and figures about Hispanics and Latinos in the United States:
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were approximately 62.1 million Hispanics or Latinos in the United States as of 2020, making up approximately 19.2% of the total U.S. population.
- California has the largest Hispanic population in the United States, with over 15 million Hispanics residing in the state.
- Hispanics are the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the United States, following non-Hispanic whites.
- The majority of Hispanics in the United States are of Mexican origin, with approximately 62% of Hispanics identifying as Mexican.
- Hispanics have made significant contributions to the United States in various fields, including science, politics, sports, and entertainment. Some notable Hispanics include Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, Roberto Clemente, a legendary baseball player, and Jennifer Lopez, a renowned singer and actress.
- Hispanics in the United States have lower median incomes and higher poverty rates compared to non-Hispanic whites, although this varies by country of origin and other factors such as education and age.
- The Hispanic population in the United States is projected to continue to grow, with the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that Hispanics will make up approximately 28.6% of the total U.S. population by 2060.
What Is the Difference Between Hispanic and Latinos?
The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings.
The term “Hispanic” refers to people who have a cultural and linguistic connection to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and others. The term “Hispanic” was first used by the U.S. government in the 1970s to categorize people of Spanish-speaking origin living in the United States.
The term “Latino” refers to people who have cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America, which includes countries in Central and South America, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of the United States, such as Puerto Rico. The term “Latino” was coined in the 1990s as a more inclusive term to describe people of Latin American origin living in the United States.
While there is overlap between the two terms, not all Hispanics are Latinos, and not all Latinos are Hispanic. For example, Brazilians are considered Latinos but not Hispanics, as Portuguese is their official language, not Spanish. Additionally, people from Spain may be considered Hispanic but not Latino, as Spain is not part of Latin America.
It’s important to note that both terms are complex and can be a matter of personal preference. Some people may identify as Hispanic or Latino, while others may prefer to use their country of origin or other identifiers.
How to Deserve Hispanic Heritage Month?
there are several ways to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Learn about Hispanic culture: Take the time to learn about the history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. This can be done by reading books, watching documentaries, attending cultural events, or even taking a language course.
- Support Hispanic-owned businesses: Show support for Hispanic-owned businesses by shopping at local Latino markets, eating at Hispanic restaurants, or buying products from Hispanic artisans.
- Attend Hispanic Heritage Month events: Attend local Hispanic Heritage Month events, such as cultural festivals, art exhibits, and educational programs.
- Volunteer with Hispanic organizations: Volunteer with Hispanic organizations that work to promote education, health, or social justice for the Hispanic community.
- Advocate for Hispanic rights: Advocate for Hispanic rights by raising awareness about issues affecting the Hispanic community, supporting policies that promote diversity and inclusion, and fighting against discrimination and prejudice.
- Celebrate Hispanic culture with food and music: Celebrate Hispanic culture with friends and family by cooking traditional Hispanic dishes, listening to Hispanic music, or attending a Latin dance class.
Overall, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and rich cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States.
Can a Printable Calendar Be Useful for Follow Hispanic Heritage Month?
A printable calendar can be a very useful tool for following Hispanic Heritage Month. A calendar can help you keep track of important dates, events, and celebrations throughout the month-long observance.
Here are some ways a printable calendar can be helpful for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Highlighting important dates: A calendar can help you keep track of key dates and events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, such as Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15th, and Columbus Day/Dia de la Raza on October 11th.
- Planning celebrations: A calendar can help you plan and organize celebrations, such as cultural events, music and dance performances, or food festivals, and ensure that you don’t miss any important dates or events.
- Promoting awareness: A printable calendar can be shared with others, such as friends, family, and colleagues, to promote greater awareness of Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage participation in cultural events and celebrations.
Overall, a printable calendar can be a helpful tool for celebrating and promoting awareness of Hispanic Heritage Month and its significance.
Table With the Next Hispanic Heritage Month Dates
Table with the next dates of start of the Hispanic Heritage Month and the day of the week of each year.
YEAR | DATE | DAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2022 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | THURSDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2023 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | FRIDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2024 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | SUNDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2025 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | MONDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2026 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | TUESDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2027 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | WEDNESDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2028 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | FRIDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2029 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | SATURDAY |
HISPANIC HERITAGE M. 2030 | starts on SEPTEMBER 15 | SUNDAY |
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