National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 and marks the history and culture of one of the most considerable populations in the United States.
The nation’s Hispanic population surpassed 62.5 million in 2021 and is among the fastest-growing populations in the US. Hispanics are currently the biggest racial or ethnic group in California and Texas and reach 1 million in 11 other states.
The month-long celebration of Hispanic culture started in 1968 when Congress began Hispanic Heritage Week and then extended to a month in 1988.
In praise of Hispanic Heritage Month, MassLive will emphasize rising Hispanic and Latino leaders across the state.
The celebration starts in mid-September because it coincides with national independence days in many Latin American nations, such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, on September 15. Mexico marks its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21.
In the US, the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are usually used interchangeably, but the terms hold various meanings.
“Hispanic” refers to individuals from Spanish-speaking Latin American nations as well as people from the Caribbean or from Spain itself.
“Latino,” on the other hand, refers to individuals born in or with ancestors from Latin America and does not contain someone from Spain. Latin America extends from northern Mexico to the end of the South American continent.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people recognizing Hispanic as well as Latino self-identity.
The Hispanic population makes up a considerable part of the Springfield population. Nearly 46% of the population was Hispanic in 2020. Holyoke has the biggest population of Puerto Ricans in the US, per capita, with nearly 53% of all locals, according to the U.S. Census.
