Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

The people of Hispanic heritage have been a dynamic part of the American experience. Their contributions to art, music and science are invaluable to our nation. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Latin history and culture or want to celebrate with friends and family, there are plenty of ways to honor the vibrant Hispanic community.

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1988, and is observed each fall from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The date was chosen because it coincides with the anniversaries of independence for Central and South American countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

In 2022, Hispanics or Latinos numbered over 50 million in the United States, and comprised nearly 60% of all U.S. residents of Hispanic origin. Those of Mexican descent make up the largest group, and many Mexicans also identify as Tejano (people from the State of Texas). However, the makeup of Hispanic communities varies widely across metropolitan areas. Three-quarters of Hispanics in the Chicago and Los Angeles metropolitan areas are of Mexican origin, while Hispanics in Miami and Houston identify as primarily Cuban or Puerto Rican.

Many Hispanics or Latinos have a variety of cultural backgrounds, which is reflected in the many celebrations and traditions they share. One popular celebration is the quinceaera, a coming-of-age party for girls that has its roots in pre-Columbian cultures. Other events celebrate the work of artists like Frida Kahlo, who is celebrated in a new exhibition at the National Museum of the American Latino, or the contribution of baseball players to the game’s legacy such as Celia Cruz and José Altuve.

A number of national parks are marking Hispanic Heritage Month with special activities, including virtual tours of La Casa Azul, the former home and studio of the famed artist that translates to the Blue House. You can also explore a virtual exhibit from the National Park Service that celebrates the role of Hispanics or Latinos in building America.

In addition, the Library of Congress has a collection of Hispanic Heritage resources from around the country and the world. There is a wealth of information about the history and culture of Hispanics and Latinos, and it’s a wonderful resource to start a personal exploration.

The NEH website offers a wide variety of educational resources for Hispanic Heritage Month, and includes a teacher’s guide for the acclaimed documentary series, Latino Americans. It also has links to videos from NEH-funded Summer Seminars and Institutes as well as a video essay about Hispanic Heritage Month by filmmaker Yuri Saito.

During Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year, we encourage you to join us at Mnios on X for bilingual conversations about SDOH factors impacting Hispanic/Latino health. You can join the conversation on our English (@MinorityHealthonX) and Spanish (@OMH_Espanol) Twitter handles, or via Facebook and Instagram. And don’t forget to register for our Hispanic/Latino Health Chat on September 18, 2024! See you there. Vamos!