Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month occurs, at which time a multitude of cultures celebrate globally. In 1968, this commemoration started as a week-long celebration that was eventually extended to last a month in 1988 by President Lyndon B. Johnson (latino.si.edu).
According to the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian, “During Hispanic Heritage Month, many cities will host concerts, parades, runs, festivals, art exhibits, and more in celebration. People also celebrate by watching awards shows that honor the many accomplishments of Latinas and Latinos and their contributions to our nation’s history” (latino.si.edu). People all over the world celebrate in different ways in order to express their identities.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, an important event during Hispanic Heritage Month. According to a travel website, “Mexican Independence Day commemorates the momentous day when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on Mexicans to rise up against the colonial government of Spain on September 16, 1810. Father Hidalgo gave his famous grito battle cry in the town of Dolores” (barcelo.com). Many celebrate Mexican Independence Day with pride and patriotism.
A common tradition celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month is a dance called “Folklórico.” According to an article about Folklórico, “The renowned dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernandez founded Ballet Folklórico de Mexico in 1952, fusing traditional dances with contemporary movements. In Folklórico, women gracefully twirl and sway, their vibrant skirts billowing as they focus on intricate footwork, while men complement the performance with distinctive attire, including boots, hats, and masks” (wishtv.com). San Diegans can experience Folklorico in Old Town San Diego at various times of the year (fiestadereyes.com).
Cesar Chavez is an important figure who is commemorated during Hispanic heritage month. According to the Cal State San Marcos website, he became a community organizer in 1952 when he joined a Latino civil rights group called the Community Service Organization, and he then became a national leader by 1960. Chavez’ goal was to create an organization that protected farm workers’ rights and fought for living wages and safety for workers. For three decades, Caesar led the first successful union for farm workers in America (csusm.edu).
Another notably important figure celebrated is Dolores Huerta, who played a large component in the movements alongside Chavez. According to a website about women’s history, “Co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta is one of the most influential labor activists of the Twentieth Century and a leader of the Chicano civil rights movement” (womenshistory.org).
Senior Ailyn Araux said, “I’m proud that we are able to have our own month, because I know that there has been a lot of racism and stereotypes. We are now often appreciated instead of being excluded. I’m Mexican and someone who I’ve always admired is Selena Quintanilla, someone who was in the music industry because she was able to overcome the stigma that people used against her. It’s great to know that she was of hispanic heritage and important in the music industry.”
Sophomore Isabel Ledezma said, “I feel really good about us having a month for our culture, because as a community we have been underrepresented, primarily in the media. For example, some people think of Hispanics as ‘the help’ which is a very common stereotype. I think that Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day should be taught in school because of a lot of important figures like activists Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.”
Hispanic heritage month is a time of year that allows people of Latino origin to celebrate their identities, learn about the history behind their heritage and most importantly, have representation. Regardless of the way that anyone chooses to celebrate, it is a time that unifies the Hispanic community and shows the cultural diversity seen across the world.