September will always hold a special place close to my heart – yeah, I’m a little biased because it just so happens to be my birthday month, but it also holds a lot of meaning to my Hispanic background. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15th – October 15th by celebrating histories, contributions, and cultures of many of us whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Mexico and those with roots from Mexico all around the world celebrate the date, September 16th, on which Mexico gained its independence from Spain approximately two centuries ago. A handful of Latin American countries also celebrate their independence anniversary including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on the 15th and Chile on the 18th of September.
I realize that the older I get, the more I yearn to stay close to and deepen my connection with my heritage (which is defined as: aspects of culture which are inherited to the present and which will be preserved for the future). So how can you, Hispanic or non-Hispanic, celebrate Hispanic Heritage month? Here are a couple of suggestions:
Learn about the History and Significance of National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month has been observed since 1968 under the presidency of Lyndon Johnson to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Hispanics. Check out the National Hispanic Heritage Month web portal for a lot of neat history reads and live/online events listed on the Smithsonian website that help us celebrate and dive deeper into our history.
Read a Book by a Hispanic Author
Whether you’re more into fiction or non-fiction genres, there is a lengthy list of books written by talented Hispanic authors. Below are just some books that detail experiences as Hispanics and provide different perspectives that help expand our reading diet.
Support Hispanic-Owned Businesses
Show your support by shopping from Hispanic-owned local and online businesses. A simple search led to me lengthy lists of Latin-owned restaurants and shops in the Houston area as well as online business and brands that anyone can shop from. Search by your city and pick some new Hispanic bite spots and shops to visit.
Standout Latino-Owned Houston Businesses to Support Right Now – Thrillist
83 Latinx-Owned Businesses to Shop and Support Today (goodhousekeeping.com)
Founded by Sandra Velazquez, Nopalera is committed to making high-end products with clean ingredients to celebrate natural beauty.
Hija de Tu Madre is a Latina lifestyle brand that carries a variety of fun apparel items and accessories.
Cuyana is a women-built, heritage-led company offering fewer, better collections that embody timeless design, luxury quality, and sustainability.
Rooted in tradition, Xio blend’s classic and trendy styles that make you feel powerful, beautiful, aligned and confident.
Booklandia bridges the gap in bilingual and Spanish literacy for young readers.
Lil’ Libros was created to inspire parents to read to their children and encourage them to do so in two languages. Lil’ Libros celebrates Latin American culture and important figures in its history.
Try a Hispanic Dish/Recipe
Maybe your go-to are the staple tacos, enchiladas, arepas, or pupusas (which you absolutely cannot go wrong with) but if you’re feeling even the slightest adventurous, let me introduce you to a whole new world of Hispanic gastronomy. From Costa Rican Gallo Pinto & Chifrijo, Panamanian-style Sancocho, Argentinian Empanadas, to Mexican Pozole, Mole, Menudo, Aguachile & Pambazos and so much more – there are new so many dishes with varying flavor & spice combinations that will help expand your culinary palate.
If you’re interested in trying Authentic Mexican recipes, Mi Cocina, by Rick Martinez, is a great recipe book in which Rick shares personal life experiences and how his passion for cooking came to be. He traveled all over Mexico in search of strengthening his connection with his roots, and met with natives along the way who embraced him and shared their traditional recipes.
Check out this site for a great resource of an infinite list of Hispanic food recipes.
Argentinian Empanadas / Photo: Amigo Foods
Costa Rican Gallo Pinto // Photo: Amigo Foods
Mexican Pambazos // Photo: Amigo Foods
Thank you so much for reading and I hope that these are helpful ideas as you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! I’d love to hear from you – let me know in the comments how you are celebrating.
XOXO,
Diana Colibri
