Celebrate Hispanic Month This Year with These Interesting Activities
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 started on September 15. It marks a time to recognize and commemorate the impacts of Latin Americans on our society.
It focuses on the independence celebrations of El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Honoring the history, culture, and the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in this country. The celebration period known as Hispanic Heritage Week was initially established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was extended to a full month during President Ronald Reagan’s administration two decades later.
During the month, people honor Latin music, art, cuisine, and other aspects of the culture. Get ready to commemorate Día de la Independencia celebration in tribute to the numerous generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans!
Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Learning sessions
Make sure to see if your nearby library or community center is organizing any events for Hispanic Heritage Month, such as guest speakers, movie showings, or talks about Latin American history and culture. This is an excellent method for increasing one’s comprehension.
Discussions about culture
Arrange a virtual tour for Hispanic Heritage Month in your community or workplace to initiate meaningful conversations about the Latinx journey. Listening to a variety of voices in person is extremely valuable.
Display of artworks
Explore museums or galleries featuring art by Hispanic artists. Broadening cultural knowledge through creative outlets broadens horizons.
Festivals
Participating in nearby Latin cultural festivals is a vibrant way to celebrate the traditions of Hispanic Heritage Month – including salsa dancing, cuisine, crafts, and much more!
Tune in to Latin Music
Create a unique playlist featuring music genres such as salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton. No other music can enhance a Hispanic Heritage Month event like this soundtrack!
Master a new dance style like Salsa or Bachata by taking lessons.
Do you enjoy dancing? Discover some Latin dance steps as part of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Get together with a few friends to pick up the quick tempo of the Cha Cha dance or find a partner to master the languid steps of Bachata. Beginners have the option of attending either in-person or virtual classes, depending on where you are located.
Engaging in dance is a great way to be physically active and alleviate stress. You have the option to either invite your friends for a video call to study together or enroll in a class together in person. Consider selecting a Friday evening when individuals are naturally enthusiastic about the approaching weekend.
Explore the museum.
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. is constructing a new museum to celebrate the diverse cultural history of Latinos throughout the Americas. The National Museum of the American Latino will honor Hispanic and Latino achievements in American history and culture. This museum will highlight different aspects of Latino culture, including art, music, business, science, and political influence, as Latinos from various backgrounds have played a key role in shaping America’s story.
Displaying the extensive variety of Latino heritage and achievements fosters recognition of the collective and varied experiences of the American Latino identity. The National Museum of the American Latino will honor the deep connection between Hispanic heritage and American heritage, serving as a source of inspiration.
Create a carefully curated gift box filled with handpicked items that they will adore, and spread happiness their way.
Volunteer/ Donate to a Latino organization
Hispanic and Latinx communities have served as the backbone of societies throughout the nation for a significant period. One way to observe Hispanic Heritage Month is by contributing to non-profit groups that cater to the specific needs of Hispanic and Latinx populations.
Search for volunteer positions at Hispanic non-profit organizations in your community, particularly those focused on assisting new immigrants with their integration. Offer your support to the community by dedicating your time.
Try out Hispanic foods.
Gayo Azul, a well-known Hispanic cheese maker with Dutch influence, commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month by offering a range of delicious flavors and recipes. Gayo Azul cheese takes a unique stance on cheese production by combining Dutch and Hispanic methods.
Whip up some traditional recipes like empanadas, plantains, tamales or tres leches cake. Or support Hispanic-owned bakeries and restaurants in your area. ¡Buen provecho!
Gayo Azul offers a variety of Hispanic cheeses perfect for National Hispanic Heritage Month-themed dishes, available in different sizes at local stores like BJ’s Wholesale, Costco, Fresco Y Mas, Key Foods, Market Basket, Presidente, Publix, Sam’s Club, Sedano’s, and Winn Dixie Supermarkets.
Event Ideas for Hispanic Culture Celebration
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month doesn’t need to be extravagant or excessive. Instead, you can acknowledge and honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans with a more intimate celebration. Here are a few suggestions for events to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Plan a potluck meal with traditional Hispanic dishes for lunch or dinner.
- Support a night of Latin music and dancing.
- Host a trivia night with a Hispanic theme.
- Host a movie night displaying movies that depict Hispanic culture and history.
- Bring in a guest speaker to discuss the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Create a photo booth featuring props that highlight Hispanic culture.
Interesting Hispanic And Latino Heritage Month Facts
- The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month takes place annually from September 15th to October 15th.
- President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Month’s observance in 1968 through a seven-day event. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended it to a month-long celebration.
- The event acknowledges and pays tribute to the Hispanic American community’s contributions to the history, culture, and society of the United States.
- Every year on September 15th, five countries in Latin America – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua – mark their independence. While Mexico and Chile both celebrate their independence on September 16th and September 18th, two other LATAM countries have different independence days.
- The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers has chosen a different theme for the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
- In 2020, the number of Hispanic people in the United States was 62.57 million.
