The National Park Service and its partners are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. It honors the cultures of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to learn more about these communities and explore their traditions through art, food, dance, music and culture.
Hispanic Heritage is more than just a month-it’s a way of life. It’s about family, community, and identity. It’s about knowing our past and making sure that future generations have a strong sense of who they are. It’s about honoring our heroes and role models, and sharing their stories with the next generation.
There is no one word to describe the complexities of Hispanic and Latinx identities. A blanket term such as Hispanic erases centuries of history, culture and civilization that predate the Spanish conquest – and alienates indigenous and Afro-Latino communities who have long struggled with being labeled as Hispanic. The term Latinx, on the other hand, embraces the rich diversity of people who share a common origin and experience in the world.
The United States Census Bureau defines Hispanic as “a person who is of full or partial Spanish descent, including persons identified as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish.” While the term is widely used in the United States, it can be confusing for those who have a more specific identity. In a recent Center survey, only 23% of Hispanic adults said they always use the word Hispanic when describing themselves and their heritage.
It can be difficult to find ways to support Hispanic communities without being a direct ally. It is important to understand how the term Hispanic and Latinx is used, which is a good place to start.
For example, the National Park Service’s Hispanic Heritage Program provides opportunities for communities to celebrate their culture and heritage through public events, school visits, and educational resources. The program is designed to engage the whole community and inspire a new generation of park stewards.
The Hispanic Heritage Program also helps the public learn more about the rich and diverse stories that are shared in our national parks. These stories of our nation’s ancestors and their impact on the country are a vital part of our shared history.
We hope that you’ll celebrate Hispanic Heritage by visiting a national park or exploring its resources online. And don’t forget to grab some food and try some traditional Latin American games like Loteria(link is external), Mexico’s version of Bingo, where players mark words that are called out (such as el arbol – the tree or el camaron – the shrimp) on their game board. And if you are feeling adventurous, try a traditional dish such as New Mexican stacked red chile beef enchiladas with an overeasy egg. Buen provecho!