¡Salud y Saludos!

We’re about as far into Hispanic Heritage Month as we are into this year’s hurricane season – that is, past the midway point, but certainly not near the end. What that means is that we still have time to take some further precautions against any impending tropical cyclone...all the while enjoying and learning some more about an ever-growing culture.

Unlike most other ethnic heritage months, National Hispanic Heritage Month straddles the last half of September and the first half of October. The reason for the unusual time period is its precursor, Hispanic Heritage Week, which was celebrated beginning in 1968, after an act of Congress. The week of Sept. 15 was chosen because several Latin American countries celebrate their independence days on Sept. 15, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. On Sept. 16, Mexico celebrates its independence and Chile’s independence day is Sept. 18. It should be noted that Mexico’s independence is, indeed, on Sept. 16…and NOT on Cinco de Mayo (or May 5) – this day is hardly celebrated in Mexico and simply marks the anniversary of the impressive and unexpected temporary defeat of Mexican troops in the town of Puebla, in 1862.

In 1988, the 100th Congress extended the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Week to a month. It now includes Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) during the second week of October. Each year in early September, the President issues a proclamation inviting Americans to celebrate the traditions, ancestry and achievements of Hispanic Americans.

Locally, in North Carolina and in the capital-area, we have had several opportunities to further explore this rich culture. The recent Fiesta del Pueblo was probably one of the best spots to get a broad flavor for things. The Department of Health and Human Services supported several booths providing educational materials. This event offered individuals a chance to see some of the variety that comes with Latin America’s 20 independent nations. Elsewhere, museums in the area are offering several Spanish guided tours that might provide a variation to previously viewed exhibits. More and more libraries are stocking up on books for Latinos or about them – not to mention there are now countless churches that offer at least a weekly Spanish-language service.

On a recent trip to my hometown of Miami, I had the chance to introduce many aspects of my culture to an Anglo friend of mine who accompanied me. She had never been to the city, knew little about the culture, and wasn’t too sure what to expect. After getting a taste of some pastelitos de guayaba, batidos de mamey, and getting a chance to listen to some of the local music, she came away with a new perspective of me, my family, and the area (granted, this was the day before a hurricane started threatening the area…but she still got the picture!)

That was exactly what I was hoping would happen (not the hurricane part, but the part regarding learning about the culture!) And that’s my hope for the rest of the population. I hope we’re able to learn from one another by taking advantage of the opportunities that abound.

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Last Modified: September 30, 2005