National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana or The National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States between September 15 and October 15. It celebrates and recognizes Hispanic American culture, history and contribution to our nation. 

It is important to note that the term Hispanic refers to people who have Spanish ancestry or speak Spanish, and it is based on a shared culture, not race, skin color or other physical features.

The National Hispanic Heritage Week was first established by legislation and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The National Hispanic Heritage Month was first proclaimed by President George H.W. Bush on September 14, Presidential Proclamation 6021. 

September 15 was chosen as the starting point because it represents the  Cry of Dolores in 1810, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence for New Spain (Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua). The National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration ends on October 15. It includes October 12, known as Columbus Day but more currently called Día de la Raza, memorializing the encounter of the European, African and Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.

For those interested in the amazing pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas, I would highly recommend watching the currently running PBS series "The Untold Stories of Latinos."

by Adria Cruz Tabor

September 28, 2024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hispanic_Heritage_Month