Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th to October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain.
Each year, the United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico and Spain.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
Why September 15th?!
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
I say Hispanic you say Latinx.
What's the difference?
VS.
Latin America & Its Language
There are several definitions of what Latin America consists of. It's sometimes described as a geographic region that consists of countries south of the United States (including the Carribean), those countries colonized primarily by Spain, France & Portugal and as a result primarily speak those romance languages, or just the Countries colonized by either Spain or Portugal.
Although several languages are spoken throughout Latin America (Spanish, Portuguese, French Guiana, French Caribbean, Quechua, Guarani, Aymara, Nahuatl, Mayan language and Mapudungun to name a few) Spanish is the official language in most countries, and it is spoken by the vast majority of the population.
Spanish
is the official language of the following 20 countries, as well as Puerto Rico: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Spanish is also commonly spoken in Andorra, Belize, Gibraltar and United States.
Connect with an Affinity Group
The Latinx Student Affinity Group seeks to celebrate and offer mentorship, community and encouragement to our Latinx students.
Other Observances
The following are a few observances celebrated by the community, some of which are only observed in the United States like Hispanic Heritage Month. Should you want to add more to the list, contact edi@nctc.edu.
January 6 - Día de los Reyes Magos
Día de los Reyes Magos or Three Kings Day. In many Catholic countries, this is the time for Christmas fun. Traditionally the children receive gifts on this day rather than on Christmas. Since the Three Kings brought gifts, people exchange presents and children put out their shoes for the magi to leave the presents inside.
January 26 - Juan Pablo Duarte Day (Dominican Republic)
Known as the Dominican Republic's Father of national independence, Juan Pablo Duarte organized La Trinitaria in 1838, a secret resistance group whose efforts culminated in the declaration of independence on February 27, 1844.
March 5 - Carnival
Carnival takes place in many Roman Catholic countries in the last days and hours before the Lent season which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays). The most famous carnival in Latin America is the one held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 21 - Birth of Benito Juarez (Mexico)
One of the national heroes of Mexico, Benito Juarez served his country as president during the turbulent period from 1855 until his death, and instituted a number of civil reforms. He led the military resistance to the French emperor’s attempt to impose Maximilian of Austria as emperor of Mexico.
March 22 - Emancipacion Day (Puerto Rico)
Emancipation Day (Puerto Rico). Slaves in Puerto Rico were freed on this date in 1873.
March 29-April 4 — La Semana Santa (Holy Week)
This is another important and deeply religious Hispanic holiday. The Holy Week is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. Not surprisingly, some of the most notable celebrations of the Holy Week occur in Latin American countries, including: Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Perú.
March 31 - Cesar Chavez Holiday (United States: 10 States)
Cesar Chavez Day honors the Mexican-American labor and civil rights activist who gained attention in the 1960s as the leader of the United Farm Workers. His non-violent advocacy approach earned him worldwide respect. It is not a federal holiday, but is a state holiday in California. It is either an optional or commemorative day in nine other states - Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.
May 1 - Día del Trabajo/Trabajador
Día del Trabajador, also known as International Worker's Day, is the equivalent of Labor Day which is celebrated in the U.S. and Canada on the first Monday in September.
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's successful defense of the city of Puebla against invading French forces in 1862. It is not Mexico Independence Day.
May - Día de las Madres
Although most Latin American countries celebrate Mothers Day in May, there's a difference in dates and some celebrate other days of the year:
Second Sunday in May
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, United States, Honduras, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela
May 10
Mexico, Belice, El Salvador, Guatemala
May 15 - Paraguay
May 27 - Bolivia
May 30 - Nicaragua
Last Sunday of the month - Domincan Republic
August 15 - Costa Rica
Third Sunday of October - Argentina
December 8 - Panama
Third Sunday of June - Día del Padre
Although the majority of countries celebrate Fathers Day on the third Sunday of June, there are some who celebrate on other days of the year:
March 19
Bolivia, Honduras, Spain, Portugal
June 17
El Salvador, Guatemala
June 23 - Nicaragua
Second Sunday in July
Argentina, Uruguay
Last Sunday in July - Dominican Republic
Second Sunday of August - Brazil
Celebrate!
Check out our very own 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Salsa con Salsa.
Cinco De Mayo
Celebrated widely in the United States (and more than Mexico), Cinco de Mayo, also known as La Batalla de Puebla, commemorates the victory of Mexico at the Battle of Puebla against France during the Second Intervention of France. Although it did not end the intprevention, the victory sparked a unity of Mexican pride and culture within Mexico and the United States.
Rebozo (re-’bo-zo)
A long, flat garment, similar to a shawl. It can be worn for various reasons; folded or wrapped around the head and/or upper body to shade from the sun, provide warmth, as an accessory to an outfit, or as a child carrier. (See image left)