September 15th – October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration of Spanish or Latin American ancestry, and an opportunity for educators to explore and celebrate Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx cultures and traditions.
Why September 15th? Hispanic Heritage Month starts on the 15th of September because it’s the national independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Three more Latin American countries celebrate their independence later in September: Mexico on the 16th, Chile on the 18th, and Belize on the 21st.
Did you know…
The United States has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world? (The largest is in Mexico.)
More than 62 million Americans identify as Hispanic — nearly one in five in all and one in four children.
While sometimes used interchangeably, the terms Hispanic and Latino have their own meanings and origins. Hispanic describes a person of Spanish-speaking origin, while Latino, Latina, and Latinx describe a person of Latin American origin, regardless of language.
Hispanic and Latino cultures are diverse, including the foods, celebrations, and traditions of many different countries and indigenous cultures.
For some great lists of books, videos, and other resources, check out the resources at the Seattle Public Library, New York Public Library, and NYC Public Schools.
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