Celebrating Hispanic, Latin American Heritage month around Philadelphia (2023)

FAQs

What is Hispanic Heritage Month and why is it important to celebrate it? ›

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work? There are many ways to celebrate HHM at work. You can feature culturally inspired music, food, film and art, discuss Hispanic and Latino DE&I, host a discussion with Hispanic and Latino leaders or recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino employees.

Hispanic Heritage Month has been around since 1968 – though it was only Hispanic Heritage Week at that time. It's meant to not only honor the Hispanic Heritage and all Hispanic Americans who have helped build America but to also shine a light on how far there is to go.

In 1988, Senator Paul Simon (D-Illinois), submitted a similar bill that successfully passed Congress. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law on August 17, 1988. President George H.W. Bush was the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Why are heritage months important? Heritage month celebrations are important in providing the space to teach and learn about cultural history, and also to examine the way in which these cultures are viewed within American discourse.

The best advice I can give to others of Hispanic/Latinx heritage is to embrace their culture. The world is progressing and starting to appreciate the beauty of diversity because so many of us are starting to be ourselves. It's a beautiful thing and we need to continue to do this to be the change we want to see.

One simple yet profound way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by teaching your students a little about Hispanic history, art, and culture every day. In a blog post, Spanish Mama suggests doing bite-sized lessons on Hispanic heritage throughout the month as a daily warm-up activity.

This month-long observation coincides with the anniversaries of independence of several Central and South American nations. It's a time for people to reflect upon the vibrant historical, cultural, social and societal influence of Hispanic and Latinx people within the U.S. and throughout the world.

What is the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2022? ›

Hispanic Heritage Month Theme for 2022 Is 'Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation'

Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides every child the opportunity to explore the diversity within the Hispanic population and the significance of past and present Hispanic influences on our society.

Latino families show warmth through hugs and this extends beyond just family members but to anyone who is invited to their home or their social circle. Family is the most crucial above all else and Latinos put family ahead of just about everything else.

Hispanics come from a collectivistic culture where group activities are dominant, responsibility is shared, and accountability is collective. Because of the emphasis on collectivity, harmony and cooperation in the group tend to be emphasized more than individual function and responsibility (Gudykunst, 1998).

Heritage encompasses many things. It's about our ethnic roots, of course, but it also includes cultural teachings and personal experiences. It's about who you are and where you have come from to get to where you are today. For me, my heritage has shaped my values, my personality, my goals, and much more.

It appears that there are no limits to the colors associated with hispanic heritage month. There are intensely bright colors of yellow, orange and red and also muted colors of brown, gray, blue with some greens, blues and black also represented.

Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish and/or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.

Why is it called Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

Hispanic Heritage Month initially began as a weeklong celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson who, at the time said, "The people of Hispanic descent are the heirs of missionaries, captains, soldiers, and farmers who were motivated by a young spirit of adventure, and a desire to settle freely in a free land."

“It is important to celebrate our heritage because it is a time to share our cultures and for all of us to learn about our own culture and heritage.” “It is important to celebrate our heritage because it breathes life and meaning into our identities and our knowledge of who we are.

It gives you a chance to understand traditions that are specific to your ancestors. You can gain a historical perspective of your family and culture, including details about your heritage that are unique. Some of the information gathered will be based on environmental factors and others on genetic factors.

By celebrating it, you empower people to be proud of their identity. Another Heritage Day is upon us when everyone gears up in their cultural attire to celebrate their origins and traditions on September 24.

Show heightened respect to those that are noticeably older than yourself. Give way to them in public, and allow them to be served first or take your seat if all are full. Do not toss someone an object to pass it to them. Hand it to them directly and respectfully.

focus on celebrating and paying a tribute to Latinx people and the many contributions that they have provided to our world. Read their literature, read their biographies, recognize their achievements and learn about their contributions.

OMB defines "Hispanic or Latino" as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

Hispanic families instill in their children the importance of honor, good manners, and respect for authority and the elderly. Preserving the Spanish language within the family is a common practice in most Hispanic homes. Spanish speakers tend toward formality in their treatment of one another.

There are several symbols that form part in Hispanic culture, and some of the symbols that represents Hispanic heritage are the Bull, El Oso y el Madrono, the Red Carnation, the Spanish Imperial Eagle, and the coat of arms on the Spanish Flag. Each represents an important in Hispanic culture.

Some of the most popular dishes served during Hispanic Heritage Month are traditional favorites like tacos, enchiladas, tamales, arroz con pollo and flan. While the possibilities are endless for what you can enjoy while celebrating, these are the traditional dishes many people choose to make.

What is the most important Hispanic influence in our community? ›

Among the most important Hispanic cultural influence is the world of entertainment. Salsa, merengue, Latin rap, Latin songs and today, Reggaeton, consolidate a stable market not only for the Spanish natives but for the Americans as well.

Best Practices

Take the time to develop a cultural formulation, which includes a consideration for acculturation, community and family connection, immigration status/ history, education. Supporting collaborative care with Latinos is important for retention and success of care.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988.

The formal name of the country is Estados Unidos Mexicanos, often translated as “United Mexican States” or “United States of Mexico.”

Red. Red is one of the most common colors seen in Mexican art and culture. One third of the Mexican flag is red, symbolizing blood shed by historical heroes.

The Catholic branch of Christianity is the dominant religion in Mexico, representing 78% of the total population as of 2020.

Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish and/or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.

We cannot mention Cesar Chavez, without also naming Dolores Huerta as one of the most influential Hispanic Americans. Born in New Mexico in 1930, Dolores would go on to become a leading civil rights activist. She met Cesar Chavez in California while working for the CSO, and the two bonded.