Observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts on September 15 and continues through October 16. The celebration recognizes the rich history of Latinas and Latinos in the United States. It is a time for learning, sharing and celebrating.
NPR is proud to celebrate the diversity of cultures and heritages in our country during Hispanic Heritage Month. Using our digital tools, we are honoring the rich history and culture of Latinas and Latinos through their art, music, dance and food.
We want to hear your stories too! Share your Hispanic Heritage Month experiences by emailing us at [email protected] or tweeting @NPR. And join in the conversation by using our hashtag, #HispanicHeritageMonth.
There’s a lot to learn from the many ways that people identify with their heritage. Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15, and throughout the month we’ll highlight some of the many different cultures and traditions that make up Latin America.
One of the most fascinating aspects of hispanic heritage is the way that people can use a variety of terms to describe themselves and their family history. For example, Hispanic and Latino tell you about language and geography; Hispanic refers to Spain, while Latino/a and Latinx (which are non-gendered versions of the term) refer to a wider geographic area that includes Brazil and Spain.
The differences between these different names are a reflection of the vastness of the Latin American region, which is home to 22 countries and territories. Each of these areas has its own distinct languages, customs and histories.
NPR’s archives and collections are filled with many different resources to help you explore this diverse area of our country’s history.
For example, you can hear a story from the archive of Sylvia Mendez, who as a child fought for her rights to be treated fairly in the public schools she attended. And you can learn about the life and work of Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga, who was born in Cuba and has served as a federal judge since 2003.
There are also many different ways to explore and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at home and in the classroom. For example, you can teach children about the famous Hispanic artists by playing a game of Loteria (Mexico’s version of Bingo). Or you could introduce them to some of the great Latinx and Spanish artists, such as Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dali, by recreating their self-portraits together at home or at school. To find these and more resources, visit the official Hispanic Heritage Month website. There, you’ll find an interactive map that provides links to events, educational materials and more from the Library of Congress and other partners. The site is updated regularly throughout the year, so check back often!