Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15 and ended on October 15 of this year.
To many, this could be confusing but it’s simply recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the group’s heritage and culture; we are essentially celebrating Latinos in the United States. It is about paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
This is a month in which—as a community—we celebrate “the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.”
The reason that this 30 day period is significant to Hispanic heritage is because it coincides with Latin American countries’ Independence dates, which start from September 15 through September 18, and other official festivities come in place as well, like Día de La Raza, which is October 12.
Lastly, another reason that it has been an official date in the United States is because diversity among Hispanic origin groups is a huge factor to the U.S., varying between major metropolitan areas. “Hispanics are the youngest of major racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.”, according to Pew Research Center, meaning that millennials will be a great factor for the future of our country. Why not celebrate the Hispanic diversity of our country and the enlightenment for a better future?