Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor the contributions, culture, and history of people of Hispanic descent in the United States. It began in 1968 as a week-long observation and was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This period of celebration allows us to reflect on the significant impact that Hispanic individuals have had on American society.

The U.S. Hispanic population is vast, with Mexican Americans making up nearly two-thirds. Over three-fourths of them are U.S. citizens, with approximately 32 million Hispanics eligible to vote. This makes them a powerful voting block in U.S. elections and underscores the importance of recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.

Cultural Contributions of Hispanic Americans:

Hispanic Americans have made profound contributions to the United States in various fields, from food and music to art and language. Let’s explore just a few key examples of these influential contributions.

• Mexican Cuisine: A Flavorful Legacy. Mexican food has become an integral part of American dining culture. Popular dishes such as tacos, guacamole, and breakfast burritos are now staples in American households. Even global fast-food chains like McDonald’s have adopted these beloved flavors. And who doesn’t look forward to Taco Tuesday or a plate of chips and salsa with their favorite Mexican dish? Mexican food is one of the many reasons we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the rich culture it represents.
• The Rhythm of Hispanic Music: From cumbia to salsa, and from mariachi to Tejano, Hispanic cultures have introduced the world to a diverse range of music genres. Carlos Santana, for instance, is a global icon known for his extraordinary guitar skills, bringing Latin music to mainstream audiences. The influence of Hispanic musicians continues to be felt worldwide, making music a central element of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
• Dance: A Beautiful Expression of Culture: Hispanic dance is a powerful expression of cultural identity. When you think of the tango, you might picture passionate moments from films, while flamenco evokes images of swirling red dresses and graceful movements. Folklorico is another example—its vibrant costumes and energetic performances showcase the beauty of Hispanic culture. Dance, much like music, has become a vital form of cultural expression during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month in Art and Hollywood

Hispanic influence in the world of art and entertainment cannot be overstated. From visual arts to film and television, Hispanic culture continues to inspire and shape the creative landscape.

• Hispanic Artists Who Shaped History: Frida Kahlo is one of the most well-known Hispanic artists worldwide, famous for her deeply personal and emotive self-portraits. Married to Diego Rivera, another influential artist, Frida’s legacy continues to inspire artists across generations. Interestingly, Pablo Picasso, though most often associated with France, was born in Spain and has Hispanic roots, making him an important figure in the global art scene.
• Hispanic Contributions to Hollywood: Hispanic actors and actresses have made remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry. Icons like Anthony Quinn, Rita Moreno, and Salma Hayek have paved the way for future generations of Hispanic talent in Hollywood. Their groundbreaking roles have brought awareness to Hispanic culture, helping shape a more inclusive and diverse industry.

The Spanish Language: A Vital Connection

Spanish, one of the most spoken languages in the world, is a vital part of Hispanic culture. While English, Mandarin, and Hindi top the list of most-spoken languages globally, Spanish ranks fourth, with over 460 million speakers.

• The Global Reach of Spanish: Spanish is the official language of 14 countries and is widely spoken throughout the world, especially in Latin America and Spain. Interestingly, even in countries like Equatorial Guinea, located in Africa, Spanish is an official language, highlighting the global impact of Hispanic culture.
• Fun Facts About the Spanish Language: Spanish is not only the second-most spoken language in the United States, but it also has linguistic roots that extend far beyond its Latin origin. A large number of Spanish words have Arabic influences, stemming from the long period of Spanish history under Muslim rule. Additionally, there are more than 40,000 words in Spanish that contain all five vowels—quite a feat when compared to other languages.
• Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters: Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate and educate others about the diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic community. It’s an essential time to reflect on how Hispanic individuals have shaped American history, culture, and society. From language to food, music to art, Hispanic Americans continue to leave an indelible mark on the United States.

FAQs

What is the purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans. It recognizes their historical and contemporary impact on U.S. society.

Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on September 15?
September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

How can I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
You can celebrate by exploring Hispanic culture through food, music, art, and dance. You can also support Hispanic businesses or attend local Hispanic cultural events.

How has Hispanic culture influenced the United States?
Hispanic culture has enriched the U.S. in numerous ways, including through language, food, music, and the arts. Hispanic Americans have contributed greatly to American society and its diverse culture.

Whether you enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican food, the lively rhythms of salsa, or the moving stories told through art and cinema, there’s no better time than Hispanic Heritage Month to appreciate the vast cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans.

– Written by Gail Encerrado – Bilingual Teacher at Bilingual Bridges

– Updated by Ibeth Munoz – Curriculum & Instruction Specialist at Bilingual Bridges