Hispanic Heritage Month starts in September and is the perfect opportunity to study and celebrate Hispanic cultures, from Spain to Mexico to Peru to the Caribbean. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Americans who have ancestry in countries that speak Spanish. That includes Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. It was started in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a way to celebrate the contributions of Americans who had come to the United States from Spanish-speaking countries. Back then, it was a weeklong celebration. It was expanded to a month in 1988 by President Reagan.
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month starts September 15 (Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and continues until October 15. The month also includes Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16) and Chile’s Independence Day (September 18).
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What does Hispanic mean?
Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or have ancestry from a Spanish-speaking country. Latino, on the other hand, refers to people who are from Latin American countries. There are 20 Hispanic countries, plus Puerto Rico, so 21 countries total.
Why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the 62.1 million Hispanic Americans (18.7% of the U.S. population). It’s a time to learn about important Hispanic figures, learn something new about Hispanic culture, and join in on celebrations across the country.
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Check out more at: https://www.weareteachers.com/hispanic-heritage-month-activities/