Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This is due to the multiple Latin American countries that gained their independence around the same time. These countries include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico, Chile and Belize. According to History, it first began as a week in June 1968 with Congressman George E. Brown. Then, George H.W. Bush became the first president to declare the 31 days from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1989. It’s important because it recognizes the contributions of the Hispanic community in the past, present and future.
The students and staff members were asked two questions: what does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to them and how do they celebrate it?
STAFF
Tina Muñoz, director of TRIO student support services, is Mexican-American. She said Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the different Hispanic cultures.
“Learning about the different countries that are different from mine, we are somehow still connected through our Hispanicness, and it brings us all together during this month,” Muñoz said.
She celebrates Mexican Independence Day by wearing the colors red, white and green on Sept. 15 and 16.
Edwin Ramos, a cook at The Loft, was born in the Dominican Republic.
“It means a celebration of the customs, ideas, traditions, foods and just the overall art of the month. I have lived in a Spanish household my whole life,” Ramos said.
Ramos celebrates by cooking empanadas and pastelillos with his grandmother.
STUDENTS
Fernando Jaén, junior biology major from Panama, said he celebrates by attending Hispanic-related events on campus.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a way that all of my Hispanic ancestors are highlighted during this month in the United States. Even though I am not an American citizen, many Hispanic people have contributed to this country,” Jaén said.
He said he’s glad the United States has a month to recognize the people and the culture.
Eddie Gaspar, freshman marketing major, is Guatemalan American.
Gasper said, “It means the Hispanic community can celebrate their heritage and where their voice can be heard, also to celebrate their culture and embrace themselves and who they are and where they come from.”
He celebrates by attending events where he can learn about different cultures, foods, dances, games and their history.
“My family and I usually have a feast and we also eat our Guatemalan food,” Gasper said.
Ana Carcache, junior biology major, is from Nicaragua.
“Hispanic Heritage month means to me all the Hispanic community at once can agree to embrace, stay strong and proud about our culture, especially in the United States,” Carcache said.
She knows that Latinos come in all different shapes, colors and sizes, and your physical features don’t make you Latino. It’s the culture that makes you Latino, like your food and the traditions.
Carcache celebrates by showing her country’s food and dances at events. She also attends Hispanic Student Union meetings and Pan Dulce.