National Hispanic Heritage Month Facts

Summary

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The month coincides with the independence days of several Latin American nations. Established in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and expanded to a month in 1988, this observance highlights the impact of Hispanic communities in the U.S. It includes cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. With a population of 57 million in the U.S., Hispanics have made significant contributions in fields like politics, entertainment, sports, and cuisine, enriching American society with their vibrant traditions and values.

Takeaways

• 😀 National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and heritage of Latinos and Hispanic Americans in the United States, running from September 15th to October 15th.
• 😀 The celebration coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, and Belize.
• 😀 The first Hispanic Heritage Week was declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, and President Ronald Reagan extended it to a month in 1988.
• 😀 September 15th was chosen to commemorate the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
• 😀 The 30-day period honors the culture, accomplishments, and contributions of Hispanic Americans through various events like festivals, concerts, and exhibits.
• 😀 The United States, Canada, and Latin America observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, with activities like the El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival and the Latino Music Festival in Chicago.
• 😀 The term 'Hispanic' was officially classified in 1997, referring to people from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, South or Central America, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
• 😀 Hispanics are the second fastest-growing racial group in the United States, representing 18% of the total population, with over 57 million Hispanic individuals as of 2014.
• 😀 Mexican Americans make up the largest portion of the Hispanic population in the U.S., with other significant populations from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and El Salvador.
• 😀 The impact of Hispanics on American society is notable in fields such as politics, entertainment, sports, literature, and music, with many influential figures such as Mel Martinez, Jennifer Lopez, and Selena Gomez.
• 😀 Hispanic culture has greatly influenced American cuisine, with popular dishes such as tortillas, tamales, tacos, and salsas like guacamole and pico de gallo.
• 😀 Family values are highly emphasized in Hispanic culture, often with multi-generational households and strong family gatherings.

Q & A

What is National Hispanic Heritage Month and when does it occur?

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration that honors the culture and heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. It takes place from September 15th to October 15th each year.

Why was September 15th chosen as the starting date for National Hispanic Heritage Month?

September 15th was chosen because it marks the independence day of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Additionally, it coincides with the independence days of other Latin American countries, including Mexico and Chile.

Who first declared National Hispanic Heritage Week, and when did it become a month-long celebration?

President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. President Ronald Reagan extended it to a month-long celebration in 1988, and on August 17, 1988, it officially became law.

How has the U.S. government recognized Hispanic culture through laws and observances?

The U.S. government formally recognized Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, establishing it as a month-long observance. The starting date, September 15th, is connected to multiple Latin American independence days, highlighting the cultural and historical significance.

What are some of the activities that take place during National Hispanic Heritage Month?

Activities include festivals, concerts, film screenings, and exhibits. Notable events include the El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival in the Bronx, Hispanic dance performances and exhibitions at the National Museum of American History, and the Latino Music Festival in Chicago.

What is the significance of the term 'Hispanic' in the United States?

'Hispanic' is an ethnic classification that includes people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American nations. This classification was formalized in the U.S. in 1997.

How has the Hispanic population in the U.S. grown, and what is its current size?

The Hispanic population is the second-fastest growing racial group in the U.S., accounting for 18% of the total population. As of 2014, there were approximately 57 million Hispanics living in the United States.

Which U.S. states have the largest Hispanic populations?

California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas have the largest Hispanic populations in the United States. Other states with notable Hispanic populations include Washington, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New Jersey.

Can you name a few notable Hispanics who have influenced U.S. culture and politics?

Notable figures include Mel Martinez, the first Cuban-American senator, as well as celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Gloria Estefan. Writers such as Isabel Allende and Sandra Cisneros have also made significant contributions to American culture.

How has Hispanic culture impacted American cuisine?

Hispanic culture has introduced various foods to American cuisine, such as tortillas, tamales, tacos, and salsas like guacamole and pico de gallo. These foods have become staples in the U.S. diet, reflecting the strong cultural influence of Hispanics.