Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th until October 15th, with a month of celebrations, events, and conversations promoting Hispanic heritage and honoring the diverse Hispanic traditions in this country.
This month of celebration is split across two months, spanning from mid-September through mid-October, because September 15th is actually a historical date of importance for many Latin American countries – it’s when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain in 1821.
This month is an opportunity to recognize, respect, promote and celebrate the many ways that Hispanic people have enriched the lives of Americans and future generations all around the world. It’s a chance not only to look back but also to look forward and support Hispanic traditions, businesses, and role models and to honor their many contributions, big and small, to our society.
But as a Latina mom, how do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage month? How can you truly make the most of this month in ways that will resonate with you and your children? After all, this month is an opportunity to teach younger generations where they come from and what they are capable of. The question isn’t why you should be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, but how to incorporate these celebrations into your daily life to raise globally aware kids.
Connect with Relatives
Plan a family meal, or if you live far away, a family video call with relatives of all ages to connect and bond. Talk about their upbringing and the best advice they ever received from their parents and grandparents. Share experiences and laugh about family stories from the past. Forming a strong relationship with your Hispanic relatives, and passing on their traditions and values, is the ultimate way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
Make a Traditional Family Dish
Food connects us all and connects us to people all around the world in the past, present, and future. Family recipes can be passed down for centuries and survive all the life transitions that got you to where you are today. Cook a traditional family dish, whether it’s arroz con pollo, picadillo, flan, croquettes, arepas, tres leches, or anything in between. Involve your kids and teach them the recipe as you go. Let them in on the insider tricks your abuela (or mama or tia) taught you and keep those culinary traditions alive. It’s not only fun but delicious, and it will help celebrate the cultural delicacies of Hispanic culture.
Watch a Movie About Hispanic Culture
Watch a movie with your family that tells the story of Hispanic culture in a lively, engaging, kid-friendly, and heart-warming way. We love Coco, Vivo, Encanto, and The Book of Life.
Read Books to Learn About the Past
We love the Who Was… book series that teaches readers about a historical figure, event, or place in a narrative appealing to kids, grades three and up. Start with Who Was Frida Kahlo, Who Was Selena, Who Was Cesar Chavez, or Who Is Sonia Sotomayer to get started.
Share Family Stories with Your Kids
Above all, the best way to celebrate the past and honor your culture is to talk. Talk about your family history, inspiring Hispanic leaders, and the cultural contributions of Latinos in America. Share stories. Look at family photos, sing traditional Hispanic songs, and be open with your kids about the significance of this month. As a Latina mom, Hispanic Heritage Month is packed with opportunities to teach your family about diversity, representation, and the significant contributions of the Latino community.
