The idea for Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, began as a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Communities celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans through festivals and educational events. Check out all the available scholarships for Hispanic students, if you’re a student, to celebrate this day.
The background of Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 by appreciating the history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who immigrated from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.
In June 1968, when it was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown, Hispanic Heritage Month originally consisted of one week of celebration. In the 1960s, the need to recognise the contributions of the Latino community acquired momentum alongside the civil rights movement. Growing awareness of the multicultural communities residing in the United States.
Hispanic Heritage Month is annually observed between September 15 and October 15. The School District of Palm Beach County recognises the unique contributions and diversity of Hispanic and Latino culture throughout the month. In addition, a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month will be on the agenda of the School Board meeting on September 13.
“Latinx students continue to advance their communities by volunteering their time and talents, and celebrating their roots and culture sheds light on our national story,” said the Central Regional Superintendent of the District, Valerie Zuloaga-Haines.
Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America is this year’s theme. The Latino community comprises approximately 19% of the total U.S. population and nearly 40% of the student population in the School District, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
District 2 Palm Beach County School Board Member Alexandria Ayala stated, “Throughout our community and country, we continue to witness the breaking of barriers and the accomplishment of historic milestones with regard to Hispanic/Latino(a) representation in all facets of our society.” “It is an honour and a privilege to serve as the first Hispanic woman elected to the School Board, and I hope that this demonstrates to all young Latinas that they belong everywhere where important decisions are made.”
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the District will recognise the culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff, and community members with ancestry in Spain and other Spanish-speaking nations in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Brown represented two predominantly Latinx and Hispanic-populated areas, the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles. His intention was to acknowledge the indispensable roles played by these communities in American history. The observance of Hispanic Heritage Week began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was subsequently extended by President Ronald Reagan to a thirty-day celebration beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15. On August 17, 1988, with the passage of Public Law 100-402, it became law.
The 15th of September is chosen as the beginning of the month for a variety of reasons. It is the independence day of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras in Latin America. From this point forward, Mexico’s and Chile’s independence days will occur on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Columbus Day and Dia de la Raza also occur within this month on October 12.
The Hispanic population has been essential to the prosperity of the United States. They have made immeasurable contributions to the nation and exemplify the finest of American values. Hispanic-Americans have left an indelible impression on the culture and economy of the United States.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Is an Essay Required for HSF Applications?
5 FEATURES OF HISPANIC HERITAGE THAT SHINE
Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of the month to coincide with the independence of many Latin American nations, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
Hispanic and Latino Americans constitute the greatest ethnic minority, comprising an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population.
Oscar Hijuelos, the author of “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love,” was the first Hispanic author to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
The number of Latinos in the United States who speak English fluently is rising.
In Mexico, chicken tacos are less prevalent than in the United States. There, tacos are typically filled with sirloin, chicharron, and chorizo.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | September 15 | Friday |
2024 | September 15 | Sunday |
2025 | September 15 | Monday |
2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
2027 | September 15 | Wednesday |