Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Culture and History

By Andrea Alvarado

Staff Writer

Schools and communities nationwide are preparing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15. This month is a time for recognizing Hispanic and Latino history and its culture.

The celebration began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week before being converted to a month-long celebration in 1988. September 15th is the date that marks the independence day of many Latin American countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

At school, Hispanic heritage month can be a chance for students to learn about different cultures and traditions that are represented in their own community. From food, to music, to language and history, this month highlights the diversity of Hispanic and Latino experiences. The Hispanic Latino heritage club (HLHC) is a group that helps bring that celebration to campus. “Being a part of HLHC gives students a place where they can feel connected to the culture while also sharing that culture with others,” said Pamela Francisco, HLHC president.

For students who may not celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this occasion is a chance to learn about cultures they may have never encountered before. When asked about her favorite part of Hispanic Heritage month, Jennifer Puga Rodriguez said, ”I love that cultures are so spread out around the world, and I am able to find people I could relate to in the community of Hispanics.”

Beyond celebrating and school events, Hispanic heritage month is a time to understand how many different communities that classify as Hispanic and Latinos, have roots across Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, and their histories and traditions are far from being the same.

Remembering that the message for this month is to celebrate culture, learn from history, and make space for every story you hear is the most important part of it all.