Since 1988, America has celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month every September 15 to October 15. Do you know why or how it came to be? Read below to learn more on about the great, month-long holiday.
Why the September 15 Start Date?
There’s actually a good reason for Hispanic Heritage Month starting in the middle of the month: it’s an independence day for five different countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence anniversary on September 15 and a couple other Latin countries–Mexico, Chile and Belize–celebrate shortly after.
Which Countries Are Celebrating Independence During Hispanic Heritage Month
| Countries Celebrating Independence Day During Hispanic Heritage Month |
|---|
| Costa Rica (Sept. 15) |
| El Salvador (Sept. 15) |
| Honduras (Sept. 15) |
| Nicaragua (Sept. 15) |
| Mexico (Sept. 16) |
| Chile (Sept. 18) |
| Cuba (Oct. 10) |
A Few Fun Hispanic Heritage Month History Facts
- It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. President Ronald Reagan signed a bill extending it to a full 30-day period.
- Hispanic Heritage Month was initiated to recognize the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.
- It also includes celebrating the long history of Hispanic and Latino influence, starting all the way back to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Hispanic vs. Latino(a): What’s the Difference?
| Latino(a) only countries | Both | Hispanic only countries |
|---|---|---|
| All countries listed, plus Brazil, | Argentina | All countries listed, plus Spain, |
| Does not include Spain | Bolivia | Does not include Brazil |
| Chile | ||
| Columbia | ||
| Costa Rica | ||
| Cuba | ||
| Dominican Republic | ||
| Ecuador | ||
| El Salvador | ||
| Guatemala | ||
| Haiti | ||
| Honduras | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Nicaragua | ||
| Panama | ||
| Paraguay | ||
| Peru | ||
| Puerto Rico | ||
| Uruguay | ||
| Venezuela |
Some Notable Hispanic Historical Figures
We have many Hispanic and Latino Americans to thank for their contributions. Here at Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona, we try to include as many of these figures as we can into our curriculum.
Below are Bio Cards you’ll find within our Social Studies courses. Click on them for a fun educational experience on just a few Hispanic Historic Figures.
- Romualdo Pacheco
- Simon Bolivar
- Lorenzo de Zavala
- Cesar Chavez
Three Ways You Can Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
There are several ways to get in the spirit of Hispanic Heritage! Here are a couple of our recommendations:
1. Read up on some history!
In fact, Valor has some great ways for you to learn more in our very own curriculum.
You can start by watching this video on Pancho Villa:
Or check out this lesson to learn more about the LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens).
2. Attend an Event Near You
From summits to expos filled with yummy foods, there are a lot of community events happening in the West Valley to attend! You can check some out in this article.
3. Try Some New Things
Maybe head to an authentic restaurant, try a new recipe or discover some music. You never know where you’ll find that next new thing you love!
We hope you take some time this month to learn and try new things. Don’t forget to stay tuned to our Facebook page as we post more on Hispanic Heritage Month!
- How do you plan to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month? Share with us in the comments below!
