The observation of Hispanic Heritage in the United States started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. 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.
Here are three ways you and your family can observe the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept 15.
- Plan a fiesta! Prepare tasty food, play traditional mariachi music in the background and create “sombreros” as an art project for everyone!
- Light up young minds by introducing them to Hispanic artists and arts! Frida Kahlo’s paintings are a good start! Amazon has children’s books about Frida Kahlo, Louis Fuertes and Gabriel Garcia Marquez and that is only the beginning.
- Start learning Spanish! We all learned a little bit in school, so why not go all the way! Who knows where that might take you?
