Celebrating the Diverse, Beautiful, and Vibrant Hispanic Culture

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month we asked a few of our Hispanic publishers and those who have married into Hispanic families what they love most about their rich, vibrant, and beautiful culture to help us celebrate.

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15^th through October 15^th

Here's what our publishers share with us:

"My husband is from Puerto Rico. I love most the music and dancing, especially salsa and merengue"

Cookie Suàrez, publisher of Macaroni KID Buckhead-Midtown-Brookhaven, Ga.

Miguel R. Perez via Canva

"Family! I love how close we are and how we stay connected. Traditions are handed down and they are deep and meaningful. Family is everything!"

Family is deeply intertwined and typically very close in Hispanic cultures. In Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as in Latino communities in the United States and elsewhere. One of the many large events families look forward to is the quinceañera. The quinceañera is a celebration of a young woman's 15^th birthday and signifies her journey from childhood to adulthood. The party includes an elaborate dress for the girl of honor, along with a lot of food, dancing, and time with friends and family. There is typically a mass held before the party as well.

Natalie Sanchez, Macaroni KID Upland, Claremont, La Verne, Calif.

Betty Sànchez

"I am Mexican American and I love our food! We are so much more than tacos and tequila"

Zulema Gomez, former publisher of Macaroni KID San Marcos-Vista, Calif.

5 Books our Family is Reading for Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month 

National Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the rich history, vibrant culture, and valuable contributions of individuals in the United States whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Initially established as a week-long celebration in 1968, it was later extended to a 30-day observance in 1988.

This month serves as an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your own heritage, or to delve into the heritage, culture, and achievements of Hispanic people, making it a valuable teaching moment for both adults and children alike.

Visit:

• MOLAA - Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, CA: The only museum in the U.S. fully dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino Art.
• Olvera Street, Los Angeles: The birthplace of Los Angeles, is a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles” with street vendors, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops plus several historical museums.

Learn more:

• Smithsonian: Hispanic Heritage Month
• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino

Related Dates of Interest:

• Sept. 15: Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
• Sept. 16:  El Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores - Mexican Independence Day
• Sept. 18:  Chile Independence Day
• Sept. 23:  El Grito de Lares -Puerto Rico, rebellion of 1868
• Oct. 10:  Grito de Yara in Cuba - Conspiracy against the Spanish in 1868
• Oct. 12:  Día De La Raza - Day of the Race / Columbus Day - The date Columbus arrived in the Americas
• Oct. 12:  Día de la Hispanidad - National Day of Spain

Family Fun Ways to Celebrate the Hispanic Culture:

• 12 Family-Friendly Films that Celebrate Hispanic Culture
• 10 Inspiring Movies from True Stories Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
• Family Tradition: Grandma's Empanadas
• Nicaraguan Salpicón: Chopped Steak, Veggies Combine For Delicious Dish
• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With An Arroz con Leche Recipe
• 5 Books our Family is Reading for Hispanic Heritage Month