Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15th until October 15th! Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures and contributions of all those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Historical Context

Celebrated annually between September 15 and October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the innumerable contributions made by Hispanic and Latinx Americans throughout our country’s history. Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month originally began as Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, this week-long celebration was expanded into a one-month period, always beginning on September 15. This date was specifically selected in commemoration of the independence gained by five Hispanic nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—on this date in 1821. Numerous other Hispanic nations celebrate their independence during this month also: Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 18), and Belize (September 21).

Across the country, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in a multitude of ways including presidential proclamations, military commemorations, parades, concerts, festivals, and fairs. In the Grand Rapids Public Schools, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as well.  In addition to an annual declaration, GRPS seeks to create opportunities for students and staff to showcase the histories and cultures of the Hispanic and Latinx communities across the world. Through classroom lessons and schoolwide celebrations, programs throughout the district highlight the unique contributions made by Hispanic and Latinx people both near and far.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage you to review the following history and resources:

• https://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/hispanic-heritage.php
• https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/for-teachers/
• https://www.oprahmag.com/hispanic-heritage-month/
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/reference/holidays/everything-need-know-hispanic-heritage-month/
• https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hispanic-heritage-month/

Although your student(s) celebrate and learn about cultures through our curriculum all year long, having a calendar reminding busy families of  heritage observances can be a great way to prioritize cultural exploration for your family. Here is a list of celebrations, holidays, and heritage months you can include on your family calendar: