Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

What is National Hispanic Heritage Month?

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The celebration starts mid-month because September 15 marks the independence anniversary of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. It is followed by Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16 and Chile’s on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans, celebrating the heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.

What does Hispanic mean?

While many people use Latino/a/x and Hispanic interchangeably, these two words mean different things. Someone who is Hispanic is a person who comes from or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country. Latino/a/x is used when referring to someone who comes from Latin America or is a descendant from any Latin American country. While a person can be both Hispanic and Latinx, not all Latinx people are Hispanic. Additionally, not all Hispanic people are Latinx.

Hispanic countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Latin American countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Some honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by donating to Hispanic charities, eating food from any of the countries that are being celebrated, learning from their cultures, and honoring influential Hispanic figures who have made an impact on our society. Below are some ways you can celebrate with us!

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