Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and countless contributions of Americans whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The dates are no accident, many Latin American countries mark their independence in mid-September, and Mexico and Chile follow soon after.

Ways to Celebrate

If you’d like to join in, here are a few simple ideas for honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Attend local events. Libraries and museums often host author talks, art exhibits, and film screenings.
• Discover new voices. Pick up books by writers such as Sandra Cisneros or Julia Alvarez, or listen to music from artists across Latin America.
• Explore online resources. Visit HispanicHeritageMonth.gov for history, recipes, and virtual tours of the National Museum of the American Latino.

Hispanic Americans continue to shape our country in politics, science, sports, and the arts. Think of trailblazers like astronaut Ellen Ochoa or Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; their achievements remind us why this month matters.

Celebrating is as easy as learning, listening, and sharing; a meaningful way to honor a culture that enriches the U.S. every single day.

Maria Cox