September 2022

Hispanic Heritage Month

In September, we want to recognize the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

This month corresponds with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, and recognizes the revolution in 1810 that ended Spanish dictatorship.

September 15th October 15th

Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, Belize on Sept. 21.

"Today, Hispanic Americans are leaders in government, business, education, sports, science, and the arts. [...] Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however. Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities."

- President George Bush

Proclamation 6021 - National Hispanic Heritage Month, 1989

Hispanic Leaders

There isn't an industry in which Hispanic Americans haven't made their mark in history, with some of the most iconic politicians, singers, actors, athletes and more coming from Hispanic descent.

Learn more here

62.6 million Hispanics

Hispanics have played a major role in driving U.S. population growth over the past decade

U.S. Hispanics Growth

Hispanics are the nation's second-fastest-growing racial or ethnic group after Asian Americans

20+ countries origin

The two largest groups of Hispanics are Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans. More than half of all Hispanic Americans are of Mexican ancestry.

data source: Census.gov

Find key stats for 2022 here

Hispanic or LatinX?

Hispanic refers more to language, while Latino/Latina refers more to culture. LATINX is a gender-neutral term to refer to a Latino/Latina person.

Hispanic

Think of the term Hispanic tied to the Spanish language. Hispanic excludes Brazilians, who predominantly speak Portuguese.

Latino/a or LatinX

Latino is tied to a geographical region, much of what was colonized by Spain. Latinx is a more progressive term that is gender-neutral

Did you know...?

So many pieces of standard "American" culture were imported from south of the border. For example, the cowboy hat, rodeos, and ranching are all from Spain and Mexico.

Several state names like Montana, Colorado, and Nevada come from Spanish words. Even barbeque originated from the intersection of Spanish and Caribbean traditions! (Hint: the word barbecue comes from the Spanish barbacoa.

Mural Art

Mexican Muralism is a movement beginning in the early 1920s in Mexico in which the government commissioned artists to make art that would educate the mostly illiterate population about the country's history and present a powerful vision of its future. The movement followed the Mexican Revolution, when artists created epic, politically charged public murals that stressed Mexico's pre-colonial history and culture and that depicted peasants, workers, and people of mixed Indian-European heritage as the heroes who would forge its future.

The murals were executed in techniques including fresco, encaustic, mosaic, and relief. José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros were considered the leaders of the Mexican Muralism.

In Chicago, we have many colorful and distinct murals along 16th Street and beyond! See a collection at Gallery of Pilsen Murals

Music & Dance

The Hispanic culture is rich and full of diverse music styles and talented artists that have crossed borders and captivated people from all around the world.

Music is an integral part of Hispanic culture, including many national and regional styles, some of which have developed in the U.S.

Today, some of the most popular genres of Spanish-language music in the U.S. include cumbia, salsa, bachata, reggaeton and corrido.

Starting in the colonial era and growing through the 19th century, Latin America's musicians took Europe's musical trends and blended them with African rhythms, as well as indigenous music, to create a creole style that matches the creole cultures which came to dominate Latin American societies immediately after independence.

Alongside music, dancing provides a connection to ancestors that has helped shaping and expressing the identities of countries and cultural groups throughout Latin America.

Explore more at Britannica.com

Food Culture

Latino foods reflect the enormous social diversity resulting from Latin America's history of settlement and intermarriage. There are often great differences between one national cuisine and the next. For this reason, Latin American cuisine is actually an aggregate of various national dishes.

Cooking is an essential cultural connection that helps identify the importance of family and togetherness. Authentic recipes and dishes are a link to their countries of origin, and love is an essential ingredient in Latino foods.

Explore some fascinating dishes and their origin in this post from Spanish Academy.

Colors have Meaning

The bright colors found in the markets, the food and the clothes of several Hispanic countries, especially in Mexico, are more than just a cultural tradition: they are the reflection of the warm and lively culture which is experienced every day.

Mexican art and architecture are deeply embedded with symbolism

It is impossible to discuss color symbolism in the Mexican Culture without talking about the history of Aztecs and Maya tribes, their migration across Mexico, as well as their reenactment of rituals. All these factors played a major role in the art, culture, and subsequently color meanings in the country.

Resources

Be a visionary and activate during Hispanic Heritage Month!

Note: Some content has been created ad-hoc, some has been made available through hispanicstar.org. You can access the data sources here.

Download Kellogg Zoom Background

Created by Federica Sidoti

Download "Hispanics in the US" Power Point Presentation

Provided by hispanicstar.org

Download 2022 Datasets

Provided by hispanicstar.org

Download Papel Picado Template

Adapted from internet source

Download the U.S. Hispanics Manifesto

Provided by hispanicstar.org

Download Printable Hispanic Flags

Found on spanishmama.com

Explore more Hispanic Heritage content

Hispanic Leaders

Content created by Federica Sidoti, sources: History.com, Britannica.com, Wikipedia.org.

Iconography

Content source: hispanicstar.org

Upcoming Events @Cultural Corner

Join us for a cultural immersion in the theme of the month!

September 24 | 12:00 pm

DIY Papel Picado

Club Fair

"Perforated paper", literally "pecked paper" is a decorative craft made out of paper cut into beautiful and elaborate designs. It is considered a Mexican folk art. The designs are commonly cut from colored tissue paper using a guide or template and small chisels, creating as many as forty banners at a time. Papel picado can also be made by folding tissue paper and using small, sharp scissors.

Hear how its story is embedded in Latino culture from a Jalostotitlán native in this video!

September 24 | 12:00pm

DIY Worry Dolls

Club Fair

When sharing problems with a loved one isn't possible, a Guatemalan worry doll can be that trustworthy pal you can share your most intimate sorrows with.

Worry dolls, or Muñeca quitapena in Spanish, originated from an old Mayan legend in the highlands of Guatemala. According to the lore, the sun god granted the Mayan princess, Ixmucane, an extraordinary gift that can solve any human problem.

Watch the significance of worry dolls for two Guatemalan sisters whose parents immigrated to the US!

Testimonials

Learn how culture has shaped Kellogg EW students' lives through their stories

Dasha's Story

"Being Latina is a big part of my identity. I was born to Ecuadorian immigrants, raised in Chicago with strong Ecuadorian roots, and Spanish as my first language. I grew up in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood in Chicago - which amplified my pride in my heritage at an early age. I have always sought out how to celebrate that heritage and share it with others. That's why I'm excited to recognize the contributions, heritage and culture of Latinos during this month!"

What do you love the most about Latin America?

I love the warmth and energy of the people, that vibrates so strong - especially on the dance floor ;-)

What was the music you heard growing up?

Julio Jaramillo, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Vives... a true mix of Latino artists and genres!

What is your favorite Latin dish?

Ecuadorian quimbolitos (sweet steamed cakes) & Colombian empanadas

In Ecuador, we celebrate the new year with año viejos meaning "old year" - which are masked stuffed effigies - that are burned at midnight to represent leaving behind all of the trials and tribulations of the previous year and welcome better luck in the coming one. Another favorite tradition practiced in many Latin America countries is the eating of 12 grapes at midnight. To ensure good luck for the next year, people eat one green grape for each of the upcoming twelve months.

- Dasha Arias

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Other Important Dates

in September 2022

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