Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. This celebration recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans, the second largest (and one of the fastest-growing) racial and ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau1. It includes people whose ancestors come from Spain and 21 Latin American countries and territories.
First, understanding the difference between Hispanic and Latino is crucial in appreciating the diversity within the Hispanic community. The simplest way to remember the difference is that “Hispanic” refers to Spanish-dense populations, and “Latino” refers to those from Latin American countries, including Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Before National Hispanic Heritage Month, there was Hispanic Heritage Week, created through legislation sponsored by Mexican American U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles, and signed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The annual celebration was to be held during the week of September 15th/16th. Recognizing that a single week wasn’t enough to properly celebrate Hispanic cultures, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation expanding the weeklong commemoration to an entire month, two decades later.
September 15th was chosen as the starting point to coincide with the anniversary of the “Cry of Dolores,” or “Grito de Dolores,” issued in 1810 from a town in central Mexico. This cry, also known as the ‘Grito de la Independencia’ or the ‘Cry of Independence,’ was a call to arms that launched Mexico’s war for independence from Spain. The Central American nations of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica celebrate their independence on September 15th, Mexico marks its national day on September 16th, the day after the cry for freedom, and Chile on September 18th. This historical connection underscores the shared heritage and the spirit of liberty that unites Hispanic Americans. Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, or Día de la Raza, also falls within these 30 days. Each year, the President of the United States proclaims the start of the observance, further strengthening the sense of unity among Hispanic Americans.
Photo from DirectEmployers’ Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) ERG meeting at a local Mexican restaurant in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
During this month, Americans celebrate Hispanic Americans’ unique and diverse heritage, history, traditions, and rich culture, which are rooted in more than 21 countries and territories. It is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the American Latino community, fostering a sense of enlightenment and understanding. As several other celebratory holidays also fall this month, communities mark the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with various festivals and cultural activities such as concerts, parades, fairs, and more. These events often feature traditional music and dance, art exhibitions, cultural workshops, and food tastings, providing a rich and immersive experience of Hispanic culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the shared heritage, spirit of freedom, and the significant role Hispanic and Latino Americans have played in shaping the country. As we mark this month, let’s take part in various activities and celebrations that recognize and appreciate the colorful cultures, traditions, and achievements of the American Latino community. Let’s support Hispanic-owned businesses, learn about Hispanic culture, and engage in events highlighting the Hispanic community’s heritage and diversity. Together, let’s make this a meaningful and inspiring celebration!
At DirectEmployers, our Women’s Inclusion Network ERG (WIN) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at a local Mexican restaurant where we had the opportunity to support a Latino business, try the food, and enjoy the music. It was an excellent opportunity to network and connect with different cultures, as we all work to learn from each other. As a Latina woman, I am thrilled to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within our community and honor the dedicated individuals who make valuable contributions to American society.
Hispanic Heritage Month embodies the spirit of unity and freedom by celebrating the rich cultural diversity and traditions of Hispanic Americans. Let us appreciate and honor the vibrant cultures and remarkable contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities not just this month, but all year long!
About the Author
Yahaira Battiata is a Community Outreach Administrator for the DirectEmployers Association. In her role, she works among the Strategic Partnership team to foster alliances with community organizations that serve diverse talent and deepen engagement at community events by educating prospective partners about DirectEmployers and its collaborative opportunities. She also co-leads the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN), DirectEmployers’ women’s-focused ERG. Before joining DirectEmployers, she worked as a Community Partnership Coordinator for the Medical Institute of Palm Beach. She has also held various roles as a recruiter, outreach coordinator, educational coordinator, and linguistics educator. She attributes her bilingual capabilities to her effectiveness in connecting with diverse stakeholders and enhancing community outreach initiatives. Her passion for creating meaningful impact is reflected in every partnership she nurtures.
