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LIKE every September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived in the United States to honor the contributions of the Hispanic community in the history of the country.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and ends on October 15, a period in which the contributions of Hispanics will be commemorated with various festivities and activities throughout the country.
What is the origin?
It is a holiday that began in 1968 when then President Lyndon B. Johnson declared, with the issuance of Public Law 90-498, the week of September 15 and 16 as Hispanic Heritage Week. Six years later, then-President Gerald R. Ford issued a new proclamation urging schools and human rights organizations to participate in Hispanic Heritage Week.
Twenty years later, with the signing of Act 100-402, President Ronald Reagan extended the recognition of the Hispanic community to a month and had the president in office proclaim the holiday each year, calling on institutions, educational institutions and museums to honor the Hispanic heritage in the United States.
The choice to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month between September and October is due to the fact that five Hispanic countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates a day later, on September 16, while Chile celebrates on September 18.
Likewise, Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12, the date that commemorates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
How will Hispanic Heritage Month be celebrated?
The Sun Sentinel made a list of the activities that will be celebrated in South Florida, a state characterized by the high presence and influence of Hispanics. The activities will include arts and crafts, documentary screenings, movie nights, cooking classes, domino games, art exhibits, music and a mega salsa concert.
In the city of Saint Augustine, in northern Florida, this September, those who wish to celebrate Hispanic heritage with family and friends will be able to enjoy free events. They can also visit restaurants, and Latino-owned businesses and learn about the city’s history at local museums.
In North Carolina, there will also be a variety of activities. The Hispanic League will hold the Fiesta Festival, a multicultural Hispanic celebration celebrating its 30th anniversary at the Winston Center in Salem.
Downtown Raleigh will host Fiesta del Pueblo, a festival of Hispanic American culture organized by the El Pueblo organization that includes live music and dance performances.
Downtown Charlotte will also host the Hola Festival, which highlights Hispanic American culture and diversity.
In New York, several events will take place, the most important of which is the 56th Hispanic Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. The event will feature the participation of 21 countries, where each nation will present its folklore, music and traditions. More than one million Hispanics are expected to attend the parade.
According to the 2020 census, there are 62.1 million Hispanics in the United States, representing 18.7% of the total population.
Sabrina Martín Rondon is a Venezuelan journalist. Her source is politics and economics. She is a specialist in corporate communications and is committed to the task of dismantling the supposed benefits of socialism // Sabrina Martín Rondon es periodista venezolana. Su fuente es la política y economía. Es especialista en comunicaciones corporativas y se ha comprometido con la tarea de desmontar las supuestas bondades del socialismo