By Camelia Heins, Staff Writer
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month long celebration for Hispanic people around the world to celebrate their independence, their history and their culture. It’s a chance for people to acknowledge important Hispanic individuals who influenced history.
It begins on Sept. 15, which signifies the independence of five countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Other important dates within this month are:
- Sept. 16: Mexico’s Independence Day
- Sept. 19: Chile’s Independence Day
- Sept. 21: Belize’s Independence Day
In the United States, celebrating Hispanic heritage began as a week long event in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to FVHS?
Students and teachers at FVHS expressed the importance of knowing your Hispanic background and culture.
Senior Wendy Ramos, Vice President of Spanish Club, said, “I think it’s really important for people to learn, or at least remember, where they came from.”
Many important Hispanic figures that made an impact in America were mentioned like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Selena Quintanilla.
Spanish teacher Veronica Macias-Gomez discussed the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom, more specifically with her Español Uno class. She wants students to know that it’s okay to be in touch with both sides of your heritage, American and Hispanic.
Senior Emily Torres said, “Hispanics are very diverse, especially with their looks, background and religion. It’s not just one certain look.”
According to Ramos, Spanish Club plans to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by attending the Noche de Altares event in Santa Ana on Nov. 2. The club also plans to host movie nights and salsa concerts at school later on in the year.
Here are a few ways you can learn more about the complexities of Hispanic heritage and culture.
Learn the languages
There are so many native languages in Latin America that don’t get the recognition they deserve. Learn about these different languages, not just Spanish and Portuguese, that are spoken throughout Central and South America. Some examples are Náhuatl, Quechua and Mayan. You don’t necessarily have to learn the languages, but just be aware of them.
Learn the cultures
There is so much diversity within Hispanic countries. Learn about the different countries that celebrate this month and the history behind it. Talk to your Hispanic friends about their cultures. You could even join Spanish Club at our school to support the Hispanic events they organize. Their meetings are every Wednesday at lunch in Room 209. Drop by to learn about the Hispanic cultures within FVHS.
Attend events
These events don’t occur just around Hispanic Heritage Month. There are many events in the Orange County and Los Angeles area that celebrate Hispanic culture year round. Join the celebration at the 21st Latino Heritage Parade and Festival in Pasadena on Oct. 19 featuring art exhibits, entertainment and traditional foods. Check out the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach to learn about Hispanic artists such as Tomás Ochoa and Matías Duville. You can even support our own Spanish club by attending the Noche de Altares celebration in Santa Ana on Nov. 2.
Hispanic Heritage Month is much more than just a month. It’s a chance for everyone to learn about Hispanic culture and history. Most importantly, it’s a chance for Hispanics to celebrate their identity and how far they’ve come.
