Hispanic and Latino Heritage Resources

Kristen Medina, CPNP-PC

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by Americans every year from September 15th to October 15th. The observation started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was recognized as a week-long celebration. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to cover a 30-day period, and this was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

The start date of September 15th is significant as this is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Respectively, on September 16th and 18th, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days. Included in this 30-day celebration period, is also Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, on October 12th.

During this 30-day observation of Hispanic Heritage, people celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This is a time to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans across the United States.

Each year this celebratory period has a theme. The 2023 theme is: Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.

hispanic heritage month flag

Learning about history and culture helps all people, especially children, broaden their view of the world and deepen their understanding of others around them.

Some ideas for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with your children include:

Cooking or ordering some delicious Hispanic and Latino dishes
Taking a virtual or in person tour at the National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC
Exploring and learning more about Hispanic and Latino traditions around celebrations, including, pinatas at parties, quinceaneras for teenage girls when turning 15 years old, etc.
Hitting the dance floor with your children and learning salsa dancing
A movie night watching a kid friendly movie that explores some of the Hispanic and Latino cultures
Exploring art work and reading books by Hispanic and Latino authors.

There is so much to learn in the world and communities around us. Exploring culture is a great way to learn more about other people we encounter each day and this in turn, helps deepen our respect and inclusion for all.

Here are some recommended books to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino culture:

There are a ton of book recommendations at your local libraries:

www.aacpl.net/hispanic-heritage-month

Books from Harper Collins Shake Up Your Shelves:

https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/childrens-harperstacks-shake-up-your-shelves