By: Ashmar Mandou

Hispanic Heritage Month started as a commemorative week in 1968; it was later expanded in 1988 to cover a 31-day period.  Unlike many commemorative months, Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 instead of the first of the month because that day coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to honor the culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Here are some ways you can take part in celebrating. 

Attend an event — locally or virtually  
Many cities will host parades, concerts, runs, festivals, and more in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. You can find something local to you to attend, or you can look for a virtual event.

Visit a museum or cultural center
There might be a museum or cultural center near you where you can learn more about Hispanic culture in person, or you can visit one virtually! Like the National Museum of Mexican Art, which you can explore or the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the America Latino.

Try traditional Hispanic foods
Explore traditional recipes and why they’re significant, like tamales, empanadas, or maybe something sweet like Tres Leches Cake. 

Learn about key figures 
Learn more about famous Hispanic and Latino figures or pioneers in American history, like Civil Rights leaders Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta, or Dr. Ellen Ochoa the first Latina to go to space. 

Learn a traditional dance 
Dancing serves as a central part of community events and celebrations for Hispanic and Latino Americans; it’s a way to showcase the diverse heritage of different regions. You can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by trying your hand at dancing, like the cha-cha or salsa.