Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions that Latinos, Hispanics, and Latinas have made across the nation. But it’s also a good opportunity to learn about the different cultures and histories that make up this diverse group.
One of the best ways to do that is through food. Many restaurants hold Hispanic Heritage Month specials featuring traditional dishes from the various regions of the country. You can also find books and movies that focus on the history of various cultures. Lastly, museums are another great way to learn about Hispanic Heritage. Many of them host activities to celebrate the holiday, such as family-friendly workshops and tours of galleries.
The NEH has an extensive collection of resources to help educators and others teach about Hispanic heritage, including books, films, interviews with famous people, and online exhibitions. The site’s Hispanic Heritage and Latino Americans exhibit, for example, is a great place to begin. It includes short videos about famous Hispanics, such as Nobel prize winner Mario Molina and NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa.
As the population of Hispanics in America continues to grow, it’s important that all Americans know something about their history and culture. By doing so, we can better understand each other and become more inclusive as a society.
Some people have trouble agreeing on whether to use the term “Latino,” “Hispanic,” or both. The answer depends on what the context is and what meaning each word carries. If the person’s ancestry is from Spain or Mexico, Hispanic may be the better option. However, if the ancestry is from any country in Latin America, Latino or Latina is more appropriate.
If someone chooses to identify as Hispanic, they can also decide whether to specify their ancestry as Dominican or Mexican. Similarly, if they are of Colombian descent, they might prefer to be identified as Latina or Latino rather than as Mexican.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to honor the diverse culture and contributions that Hispanics have made in the United States. It is also a time to build bridges between communities and learn more about the rich history of these individuals, families, and countries.
Throughout the month, we’ll be posting articles about how you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@MinorityHealthOnX in English and en espanol), Facebook, and Instagram. Also, share your own Hispanic Heritage stories with us using the hashtag #SourceForBetterHealth. We’d love to hear from you! And remember, if you’re interested in learning more about Hispanic/Latino health and wellness, be sure to visit the NMHA Resource Center. We look forward to seeing you there!