Latino Heritage Month

By: Kimberly Guifarro, Christian Monte & Alan Rivera

Latino Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United
States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans by
celebrating their histories and cultures. This observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage
Week under President Lyndon Johnson and expanded under the Presidency of Ronald Reagan in
1988 to a 30-day period. It was then enacted a law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public
Law 100-402. The reason behind it beginning on September 15 is that, that day is the anniversary
of independence for the Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, and Nicaragua. Also, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on
September 16 and 18. Columbus day, which is also known as Dia De La Raza falls within the
30-day period on October 12.
During the Latino Heritage Month, there is a myriad of ways you could celebrate it such
as going to Hispanic festival to parades to food fairs. During September 15th through September
25th, there is an event called El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival in New york, Bronx where people
could attend the event and learn about the Latin music scene and it’s huge impact around the
world. Another way countries celebrate the Hispanic heritage is by making crafts that represents
their country. An example of this would be the country of Guatemala where they craft a Quetzal
Bird. Quetzal is the national bird for Guatemala and it has been around for a long time now. In
Mexico they would create something called the Papel Picado Flag, which shows pride to their
country! There’s so many ways that the Latin Heritage Month could be celebrated that the list
goes on and on!
I come from a Latin Salvadorian family, and for heritage month we make sure we
remember our roots. During the weekends we make plenty Salvadoran food like pupusas,
quesadillas and horchata. We wear our shirts and gather with the family telling each other stories
from the childhood and what they would do when they celebrated heritage month at El Salvador.
In El Salvador as well as in other countries it’s really important because they celebrate their
independence with fairs, people sing, go to beaches and dance.
Hispanics and Latinos have had a significant and positive influence on our country
through their strong commitment to family, faith, and hard work. Their century old traditions
have also reflected on our country’s customs and character. Today, 55 million or 17% of the
American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. They make up a big portion of the
American population which is why they should always be celebrated and appreciated for
everything that they do for our country.