National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, inviting Americans to celebrate the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Here are 18 ways to join in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Explore a virtual exhibition of Hispanic artifacts on the National Museum of American History’s website.
- Support a Hispanic-owned neighborhood business.
- Watch the Hispanic Heritage Awards. You can view clips at The Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s website.
- Watch a YouTube documentary to learn about the rich culture and history of the Hispanic people. Some great choices include Paper Children and The Latino List.
- Learn one new Spanish word each day of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Make a donation to, or volunteer for, a Hispanic/Latinx-focused charity, like the NALEO Educational Fund or the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
- Try some Salvadorian street food at home. Peel a green mango and cut it into small slices. Drizzle with lime juice, roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and a pinch of salt.
- Learn about unique Hispanic festivals, like Cinco de Mayo, La Posadas, and the Day of the Dead.
- Have someone from your office who hails from a Hispanic/Latinx country talk to the staff about their family’s history and culture.
- Browse through images by photographer, Manuel Carrillo, to learn more about the face and identity of Mexican culture.
- Learn a new Spanish song, like La Vida es un Carnaval, by Celia Cruz, or Camilla Cabello’s Havana.
- Explore Latin music and painting online with Música del Pueblo: A Smithsonian Virtual Exhibition.
- Watch a Spanish-language film, like Abres Los Ojos/Open Your Eyes.
- Learn about baseball great and humanitarian, Roberto Clemente, whose life was cut short by a tragic plane crash.
- Whip up a batch of arepas, flat corn cakes often eaten in Colombia and Venezuela.
- Learn to salsa! You can find dozens of free tutorials online, geared to both beginners and advanced dancers.
- Learn about famous Hispanic artists, like Diego Rivera and Pablo Picasso.
- Paint a brightly colored piñata with your kids. Fill the piñata with sweet treats or small prizes and have fun trying to break it open!
Your Turn: How do you plan to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Share your ideas in the comments.
