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Celebrating the Diverse, Beautiful, and Vibrant Hispanic Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15

By Macaroni KID September 16, 2023

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 15th through October 15th


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"

As its name suggests, salsa dancing has lots of flavor and is very spicy! This genre of dancing originated in the 1960s in the New York City Puerto Rican community. Salsa is a fusion of rhythms and dances from around the Caribbean. Music can be fast or mellow. 
Put on some salsa music and you'll be dancing around your living room in no time . . . because salsa is joyful and contagious!

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 15th 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 grew up on wonderful food prepared by her mother, Betty Sànchez, who is from Tepic, Nayarit, a city located in west-central Mexico by the Pacific Ocean. Her mother shared her family's recipe for Arroz con Leche with Macaroni KID. Arroz con Leche translates to Rice with Milk, but it is better known in English as Mexican Rice Pudding. Find the full recipe for this delicious treat.

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



child reading book

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.

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