What is National Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year by all North Americans between September 15th to October 15th. The entire month is devoted to the celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of the North American population whose ancestors originally came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and both Central and South America.
These annual celebrations first began in 1968 when the US was governed by President Lyndon Johnson and at first only lasted one week. It was President Ronald Reagan who eventually extended the celebrations to an entire month in 1988 when it was given the approval of Public Law 100-142.
The festivities begin on September 15th, a date that was chosen because of its historical significance. September 15th is the date of Independence for many Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. What’s more, there are many other Latin American countries whose Independence dates fall within the thirty-day period.
What does it mean to be a Latino in the US in 2012?
Latin Americans, or North Americans with South and Central American descent, are growing in number, power and influence every single year in the US. The country’s census figures reveal that Latin Americans make up the largest minority population in the US and that they hold many important positions within North American society, including politics and innovation / development.
What does the US have planned for the National Hispanic Heritage Month this year?
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute has a wide number of events planned for this year’s celebrations, any of which are talks, tributes and celebrations of important events and work of Latin Americans in the US in the past. These include Arts and Culture Receptions, talks on Latinos leading the way in commerce and other industries and tributes to Latinos in the media, for example.
Washington DC is throwing some fantastic free events. The family event on September 15th, entitled Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day, at the National Museum of American History, will be hosting an entire day of music, dancing, arts, crafts and food that is free for all the family to attend. Fiesta Musical will include dancing, crafts and Latin American food inside The National Zoo on September 16th. This event is also running all day and is free for everyone.
Naturally, the entire country is hosting its various tributes and events. A simple search by state will reveal a wide range of activities to take advantage of.
A few facts about National Heritage Month and Latinos living in the US
Did you know that:
1. There are about 52 million Hispanics living in the US at present and by 2050 it is suspected that this figure will grow to about 132.8 million.
2. Hispanics make up about 16% of the entire North American population, which should grow to 30% by 2050.
3. Businesses managed by Latin Americans in the US generate about US$351 billion receipts every year.
4. The Democrat Party recently cited San Antonio Mayor, Julian Castro, as a possible future US president, which is the first time in history that this party has highlighted a Latin American in such a way.
6. More than 50% of the US Hispanic population lives in California, Texas and Florida.
