Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

By Jairo Pérez

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November 10, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Do We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

How Do People Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?

Exploring Hispanic Culture Through Food, Music, and Art

The Impact of Hispanic Americans in the U.S.

Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters

Introduction

Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This month honors the valuable contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to American society. Hispanic Americans have impacted arts, music, science, politics, and business, shaping the country’s history and culture.

The U.S. has over 60 million Hispanic people. This makes them the largest ethnic minority. The term Hispanic or Latino includes those with roots in Hispanic countries. These include Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking nations in Latin America and Spain.

Mexican Heritage Month is important to this celebration. Mexican Americans are the largest Hispanic group in the U.S.

Why Do We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the U.S. for over 50 years. It started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, created by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Then, in 1989, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a full month.

This change gave us more time to honor Hispanic heritage. It also helped us recognize the vital role of Hispanic Americans in U.S. history.

The celebration begins on September 15, a significant date for many Hispanic countries. On this day, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala celebrate their Independence Day. Soon after, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, followed by Chile on September 18. These dates enrich Hispanic Heritage Month and connect people in the U.S. to their Latin American roots.

How Do People Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?

People across the U.S. celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in many ways. Schools, libraries, museums, and cultural centers host events to educate and entertain. These include parades, music performances, art exhibits, and food festivals.

Many government institutions celebrate Hispanic contributions to American history. These include the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, and National Park Service. They hold various events for this celebration.

One of the most famous events is the El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival. This annual festival takes place in The Bronx, New York. It brings together talented musicians who perform traditional and modern Latin jazz. The event celebrates the strong link between music and Hispanic culture.

In recent years, virtual events have gained popularity. If you can't attend a live event, you can still celebrate Latin Heritage Month. Watch online concerts, take virtual museum tours, or join educational webinars about Hispanic history and culture.

Exploring Hispanic Culture Through Food, Music, and Art

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring the rich traditions of Hispanic cultures. Enjoy their food, music, and art!

1. Food: A Taste of Hispanic Heritage

Hispanic cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich history. Many families pass down traditional recipes from generation to generation, making food a deeply personal and cultural experience. Some famous Hispanic dishes include:

Tacos and Tamales (Mexico)
Paella (Spain)
Empanadas (Argentina and Chile)
Mofongo (Puerto Rico)
Arepas (Colombia and Venezuela)

Trying these foods or cooking them at home is a fun way to learn about Hispanic cultures while enjoying delicious meals.

2. Music: The Heartbeat of Hispanic Culture

Hispanic music is vibrant and diverse, ranging from traditional folk songs to modern pop hits. Some of the most popular genres include:

Salsa (Cuba, Puerto Rico)
Mariachi (Mexico)
Reggaeton (Puerto Rico)
Flamenco (Spain)
Tango (Argentina)

Enjoying Hispanic music or watching live shows helps you appreciate its unique rhythms and instruments.

3. Art: A Visual Celebration of Heritage

Hispanic art reflects the history, struggles, and beauty of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Many famous artists have created stunning works that showcase their heritage, including Frida Kahlo (Mexico), Diego Rivera (Mexico), and Fernando Botero (Colombia). During Spanish Heritage Month, museums and galleries in the U.S. showcase Hispanic art. This is a great chance to see these masterpieces up close.

The Impact of Hispanic Americans in the U.S.

Hispanic Americans have made significant contributions to the U.S. in many areas, including politics, sports, entertainment, and science. Some notable Hispanic figures include:

Sonia Sotomayor: The first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.
Ellen Ochoa: The first Hispanic woman in space.
Cesar Chavez: A civil rights activist who fought for farmworkers' rights.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: A composer, actor, and playwright known for Hamilton.
Roberto Clemente: A legendary baseball player and humanitarian.

Recognizing these influential individuals helps highlight the importance of Hispanic contributions in shaping the country.

Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, whether at school, work, or home. Here are some ideas:

Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just fun. It’s about recognizing and honoring the rich history and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities. This month is a chance to learn and appreciate the diverse cultures within the Hispanic world.

No matter how you celebrate, take time to explore the lasting impact of Hispanic heritage in the U.S. You can enjoy Mexican Heritage Month, music, food, or history. Every celebration helps keep Hispanic traditions alive and thriving. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to unite, celebrate diversity, and recognize the great contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.