National Hispanic Heritage Month is being observed across the United States, offering a period to recognize the extensive diversity and culture of the nation's Latino population. The annual celebration takes place from September 15 to October 15.
Hispanic Americans, who constitute the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority group with over 70 million individuals, represent one-fifth of the total U.S. population, according to census data. This group encompasses individuals whose ancestors hail from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The observance originated as Hispanic Heritage Week, established through legislation by Mexican American U.S. Rep. Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Two decades later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the commemoration to a month-long event.
"It became a chance for people to know Hispanic cultures, for Latinos to get to know a community better," said Alberto Lammers, director of communications at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, explaining the month's significance.
The start date of September 15 was chosen to honor the anniversary of "El Grito de Dolores," or the "Cry of Dolores," a pivotal call to arms in Mexico's 1810 war for independence from Spain. Several Central American countries, including El Salvador and Guatemala, also mark their independence anniversaries in September.
These festivities underscore the shared struggles and histories of Latin and Caribbean nations in their fights for Indigenous people's rights, according to Paul Ortiz, a professor of Latina/o labor history at Cornell University. Ortiz noted that the emphasis on family, mutual aid, and community is a significant aspect for many Latinos, shaped by the challenges faced by previous generations in the U.S.
He also suggested that a collectivist cultural background contributes to the higher rate at which Latinos join labor unions. "We understand the importance of collaboration, collective struggle in terms of improving wages and working conditions," Ortiz stated.
With the U.S. Latino consumer base experiencing growth, historians observe an increased interest and appreciation for the community, particularly during politically charged times. The month also serves as an occasion to consider the history of colonialism in Latin America.
"The history of Latinos is U.S. history, Latino cultures are U.S. culture, Latino foods are U.S. foods, and our music is U.S. music," said Diego Javier Luis, a historian and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. He added that the contributions of Latino individuals are integral to shaping the United States, emphasizing the roles of community members in holding these groups together.
The term "Hispanic" was coined by the federal government to refer to people from Spanish-speaking cultures. However, some find the identifier to be politically charged or to overemphasize a connection to Spain. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "Latino" or "Latinx," terms that reflect ties to Latin America. As a result, some individuals and communities choose to celebrate as Latinx or Latin Heritage Month.
Latin Americans are not a monolithic group, and each culture within the diaspora, from Mexican American to Colombian American to Salvadoran American, possesses distinct traditions in food, art, and music.