¡Celebra el Mes de la Hispanidad!
As well as setting off on aventuras with old and new amigos, one of the most exciting things about the start of our new school year is that it coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month!
I love that we can kick off our studies* by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans - past and present.
Scroll down for more info about what this annual celebration means, why it’s important and how we can join in with our kids this month!
(*info on my class offerings to come this week…gracias por su paciencia)
What’s the story behind Hispanic Heritage Month?
In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration Act of 1965 and remarked that: “The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources–because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” Three years later, in 1968, he endorsed the observance of Hispanic Heritage Week, and in 1988 President Ronald Reagan expanded this to a month-long observance.
Why start on September 15th? This date is the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. What’s more, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Finally, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, falls on October 12th.
So, every year at this time, we pause to celebrate the accomplishments, history, and culture of people whose ancestors came from Spanish-speaking countries and territories, including Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Hispanic Americans today
Today, according to the Census bureau, around 60 million people or approx. 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latinx origin! That’s a big part of our story!
There are many different ways that Hispanic Americans might choose to refer to themselves:
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
Chicano/a or Chicanx means of Mexican origin or descent.
Afro-Latino/a or Latinx refers to people of African descent in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, and by extension those of African descent in the United States whose origins are in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The important thing to remember about all these definitions is that it is a personal preference which one a person self-identifies with. Some people may choose to use or connect with one definition, while another may identify with another or a combination of these.
An opportunity to explore and celebrate cultural diversity
As well as being a really good reason to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans and celebrate Hispanic culture in general, this month provides us with a great opportunity to invite our kids to explore and reflect upon the amazingly rich and diverse country they live in. When we do so, we are in fact helping them understand what cultural diversity looks and feels like - and helping them recognize its value.
It enrichens all our lives to learn of cultures and traditions other than our own, embrace those of other heritages, hear their stories and appreciate their contributions!
Some fun home activities
Tune into a special music & stories program at Des Moines Public Library featuring the Latin American band, Calle Sur, on Thursday September 24th at 4pm. It will talk about the Monarch butterfly’s incredible journey from Iowa to Mexico!
Explore the 21 Spanish speaking countries/territories with this wonderful free, card game and some printable flags! Great for older kids, too!
Paint your own Mexican folk art amate painting
Read the amazing stories of inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Americans
Watch a read-aloud of the childrens’ book The Best Mariachi in the World
Read Me llamo Celia, a story about the the famous Cuban-American, Afro-latina singer Celia Cruz
Listen to this “fiesta of Latin American music”, from Putamayo Kids
Watch a video of a couple dancing la salsa cubana (la timba) in Detroit, Michigan
Try a delicious recipe from Guatemala - bananas with sweet cream. Yum!
¡Qué rico!
Does your family have Hispanic or Latinx heritage? Here are some special ways to celebrate this in your home, courtesy of Spanglish Baby.
Give the gift of a trip around the Spanish speaking world to your young child, with Lil’ Libros board books
Have fun sharing in this annual tribute! ¡Viva el español!
Saludos,
Sarah