The Ultimate Secret of Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of the commencement of Hispanic Heritage Month, there is one lingering difference behind this celebrated holiday compared to other observed months.

Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and LGBTQ Pride Month all share a common trend in addition to many other nationally observed holidays. Each of these recognized cultural celebrations begins on the same date as well as ends on the same date.

For example, Black History Month begins February 1st and lasts until the beginning of March 1st. Likewise, Pride Month runs the entire month of June, just as Women’s History Month occupies the month following Black History Month’s celebration.

However, one nationally recognized month-long observance does not share this similar characteristic as these holidays mentioned above. This observed month is celebrated by millions of Americans throughout the United States while beginning in the middle of September. Let us hear it for the 30-day celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

In a recent 2020 population statistic conducted by the Pew Research Center, the Hispanic population in the U.S. has risen to over 62.1 million, leaving Hispanics to make up one in every five people nearly. Moreover, this month celebrates the 62.1 million Hispanic Americans whose ancestors originated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbeans, and Central and South America.

Among many other nationally recognized holidays, Hispanic Heritage Month stands out as the only observed month that begins in the middle of September on the 15th through October 15th. So would that mean this cultural event is so significant that it requires flowing over from one month to the next?

Far from likely, but why does this holiday begin in the middle of September as opposed to starting at the beginning of the month and concluding before the start of the next like all the others? More importantly, what makes this observed month so unique that it should commence on the 15th of September instead of the 1st?

To begin with, the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on the 15th of September signifies the anniversary of multiple Latin American countries that gained their independence.

Although countries like Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their countries’ independence a few days after the observed date, this Hispanic Heritage Month, in respect to these Latin American nations, observes the 15th of September as the commencement of this cultural celebration.

Given that, in honor of this joyous month-long celebration, let us not only recognize the significance of why this national holiday is observed in the middle of September but also celebrate the important contributions that Latinx Americans have entrenched in our American culture.

So, have a few tacos and cervezas (i.e., beers) from your local taco stand or nearest Mexican restaurant that has a special on Tuesdays while also looking back on the Latinx community’s cultural impact on your surroundings.