Monthly Spotlight - September 2023
Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
While the official and more common umbrella term, “Hispanic” is something that most of us are familiar with, the Hispanic community encompasses many diverse races, cultures, and Indigenous languages. This is why you may also see this recognized as Latino Heritage Month, Latinx Heritage Month, or Latine Heritage Month.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
There are a large number of events in the Bay Area to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. A few of the upcoming local events include:
Saturday 9/16, 11 am to 3 pm
Latinx Heritage Month Art Showcase
Studio 11
34626 11th Street, Union City, CA
Sunday 9/17, 1:30 pm to 3 pm
Teen Event: Papel Picado and a Movie
Menlo Park Library
800 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA
Thursday 9/21, 4 pm
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafts for Kids
San Leandro Community Library
300 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, CA
Friday 9/22, 3:00 pm to 11 pm
Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month: Guatemalan Kite Craft
Livermore Public Library – Rincon Branch
725 Rincon Avenue, Livermore, CA
Thursday 10/5, 6:30 pm
Author Talk: Poet Antonio Lopez
Rinconada Library
1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA
Wednesday 10/11, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Viva Mexico! An Exploration of Mexican History
Mountain View Public Library
585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, CA
Sources:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/hispanic-heritage-month.html
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month
https://www.sanjose.org/hispanic-heritage-month-san-jose
https://www.google.com/search?q=local+events+for+hispanic+heritage+month+San+Jose+CA
