![]() ![]() Related: Free Map Worksheet of the 21 Spanish Speak ing CountriesĪll of that information is great, but how do we make Hispanic Heritage Month meaningful and accessible for our students? We’ll see if there’s an official name change sometime soon! Including neighbors makes more sense to me than including Americans whose ancestors are from Spain, but I don’t make the rules of course. Many people prefer to say Latino or Latinx Heritage Month, thought that would technically refer to Central America and South America, and include places like Brazil. It’s a little complicated, though, to find a better word that means the same thing. People from these 21 Spanish-speaking countries are considered to be of “Hispanic heritage”: ( Hispanic generally means Spanish-speaking, and refers to people, countries, or cultures connected to Spain.) The term Hispanic has somewhat fallen out of popularity–fairly– due its colonialist connotations. Why Is It called Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities.” – President Bush, Proclamation 6021-National Hispanic Heritage Month, 1989Īs of 2020, the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. “Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however. Hispanic Heritage Month was established as a way to honor previously overlooked Latinx contributions and highlight new ones, going forward. (I detail more of this history in my post, What’s the Big Deal About Sombreros?) The Chicano population (Mexican Americans) especially experienced discrimination, and sometimes brutally. history, Latinx communities have had to struggle for equal rights. Mexico– our literal neighbor– declared independence from Spain on September 16th, 1810, and Chile did the same on September 18th, 1810. Other Spanish-speaking nations have anniversaries close to those dates as well. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. ![]() ![]() September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as Johnson called them-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. There’s a special reason, though, that it starts on September 15th. You might think it makes more sense to pick one month and declare it National Hispanic Heritage Month. Why Does Hispanic Heritage Month Start In the Middle of the Month? – White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative, Dept. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month 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. It began as a week-long celebration in the United States under President Johnson, but was extended to a month by President Reagan. If you are already familiar with the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month and just want to see the activities, click here. Then, I’ll share a ton of ideas for honoring this special month! It’s also the perfect chance to celebrate Latino culture in general, at home or as a school.įirst, let’s take a look at how Hispanic Heritage Month came to be, and answer some common questions. It’s a month to celebrate the achievements of famous Hispanic Americans, along with everyday people and families. National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs every year in the United States, from September 15th to October 15th. Inside: A collection of Hispanic Heritage Month activities and ideas for schools or to celebrate at home. ![]()
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