National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes the many traditions and influences of different Hispanic cultures nationwide. It’s a celebration of their history, culture, and achievements all across the United States.

       Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.

     Hispanic Heritage Month means something different to everyone. To some, it means learning more about culture through traditions. 

     “It’s something that’s very special to not only me but my family. I learn a lot through music. In my Mexican household, I get woken up by my mother’s loud Spanish music to eat and start cleaning the house.” Senior Alexa Fernandez said. “The music that my mom plays always makes me feel at home.” Senior Neybia Hernandez thrives in the culture and energy of her home country Honduras, which she enjoys sharing with her friends in Texas. 

     “I was born in Honduras and visit multiple times a year. I love seeing my family and learning more about our culture whenever I visit. The beaches are beautiful too, of course.” Hernandez laughed. “Seeing my culture represented during this month takes me right back to home. It’s really cool to see everyone seeing the beauty of Honduras and customs it has. Not just my country, but the other Latin countries that my friends are from, too. ”