Hispanic Heritage Month is a month when we can all learn and celebrate. It is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year. During this month, Americans commemorate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September because many Latin American countries commemorate their Independence Day in this month. September 15 is the anniversary of the Independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. So, contrary to what many people think, “Cinco de Mayo” is not Mexican Independence Day but a holiday meant to commemorate the Mexican victory in a Battle during the country’s war with France. In the US, it has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates all aspects of Hispanic culture, including the many individuals who have influenced American Society over the years. These include artists and singers like Lin-Manuel Miranda, America Ferrera, or Shakira, famous sports players like Tony Romo or Alex Rodriguez, and even important figures in activism, civil rights, and politics like Cesar Chavez or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to name a few.
As a Mexican raising a child in the United States, I believe it is important to teach our kids about the different cultures and traditions that 13% of Indianapolis residents identify with. We need to show them it is important to appreciate and recognize these cultures in a country as diverse as ours. While we can teach our traditions to our children at home, I believe it is even more valuable to be able to take them out to large community celebrations where they can see this isn’t just something for our family and a few others but something that many people can celebrate together.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, there are many different events to celebrate. At these events, you can try new foods, hear different music, and watch traditional dances or performances, and at some, there are organizations and companies offering resources to the people attending.
The Indiana Historical Society has an exhibit called Celebrating Latino and Hispanic Heritage from September 14, 2024, to October 12, 2024. Visitors can celebrate and learn more about Latino and Hispanic heritage in Indiana through art, a costume display, and special programming. Admission is free on September 14th.
On Sunday, September 15th, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will have the Fiesta de la Familia, where you can enjoy the different cultures across Latin America and celebrate your own traditions. Free tickets will be available beginning Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.
On Saturday, September 21st, La Plaza, a Latino nonprofit, will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Latino community in Indiana with FIESTA Indianapolis at Military Park.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month when we can all get together to proudly celebrate the Hispanic community and its contributions to this country. It is for Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike and is a great way to share our culture with others. As we teach our kids about different cultures and different people, we hope to raise a generation of kind and empathetic people who recognize that all people matter.
