The National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. Why? Well, September 15th it's the day that marks the independence of multiple Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence from Spain on September 15th. Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th and Chile on September 18th.
The theme for the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month is "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope." The theme encourages people to celebrate not only the contributions of Hispanic Americans of the past, but to look toward the future. It's a time to celebrate "the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America," according to the official government website.
And if you are Latin-American yourself, there is nothing more rewarding than sharing your heritage with your children! Thankfully, there are now countless ways to get them interested in Latin art, music, and culture, or even to stay involved yourself!
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is about learning and celebrating the rich and diverse culture that comes from the many Spanish-speaking countries and territories. Here are a few ideas for celebrating:
- Support Hispanic-owned small businesses.
- Take a dance class. Dance is a huge part of Hispanic culture, with many countries specializing in different types of dance. From merengue to bachata, the possibilities are endless! Grab a friend, choose a type of dance, and get those feet moving.
- Learn to cook a Hispanic dish. Choose a country, find its national dish, and give it a try!
- Support Hispanic artists and art. Whether you read a book by a Hispanic author, listen to music by a Hispanic artist, purchase physical art from an artist you admire, or choose a TV show that highlights Hispanic culture, Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to support your favorite Hispanic artists or support up and comers.
- Visit a museum that highlights Hispanic culture (virtually or in-person).
Share this post with your friends and celebrate Hispanic culture all year long!
