The 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on
how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It also encourages us to reflect on all the contributions Hispanics have made in the past and will continue to make in the future. “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,”
Through National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we celebrate the contributions made by and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in United States and recognize each of their heritage and culture.
The histories of the United States and Hispanics are intimately related. Consider that St. Augustine (the oldest city in the United States) and Pensacola in Florida, New Orleans, San Antonio, Santa Fe, N.M., and many others were once Spanish towns. Citizens of Hispanic background now form the second largest minority in the United States. Hispanics are those born in Mexico, Central America, South America, Spain, Puerto Rico, and some islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The population is mainly mestizo (of mixed European and indigenous descendent), African slave descendants, and a variety of descendants of pre-Columbian cultures. The dates were chosen to commemorate two key historic events: Independence Day, honoring the formal signing of the Act of Independence for Central America (Sept. 15, 1821), and Mexico’s Independence Day, which denotes the beginning of the struggle against Spanish control (Sept. 16, 1810). Spanish is the largest spoken language in these regions, but there are others such as French, Portuguese, and some local dialects.
hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about and other dedicated websites.
How to observe Hispanic Heritage Month
Plan a fiesta
Plan a fiesta with tasty food such as tamales, casamiento y chiles for everyone!
Involve the kids games and fine arts
Light up young minds by educating them about Hispanic arts.
Frida Kahlo’s paintings are a good start!
La Loteria (Lotería Mexicana) is a traditional Mexican card game which is similar to Bingo. It originated in Italy and was brought to Mexico by Spain. The game consists of a set of 54 traditional lottery cards. Each card has a different picture and its corresponding name in English and Spanish. Avoid using State property.
Other celebrations this month:
Labor’s Day Monday September 5th