Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15, 2021 is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Hispanic heritage from all cultures is celebrated through festivals, music and art. While some of those who are not of Latin descent may not be aware of the celebrations, communities are attempting to spread the acknowledgment of this appreciation. 

The main focus of Hispanic Heritage month is to celebrate and appreciate the different Latin cultures and to remind people that there are so many different Hispanic cultures rather than just Mexican or Spanish culture. Over 21 countries primary language is Spanish, and each country has its own culture. 

Spanish teacher Marcela Garzon is from Bogota, Colombia and shares her input on the importance of celebrating different cultures. “My culture has formed who I am today. I am very proud of my country, my culture and how far we have come.” 

While many of these cultures have multiple common aspects, they all differ from one another in unique ways. Colombian culture is very similar to its surrounding countries, yet is very diverse compared to Mexican culture. 

Garzon adds, “Colombia is very different from what people would expect it to be. It’s not all tacos and mariachi, in fact we don’t even have mariachi. No one really knows what it  [Colombia] is like until they visit.”

Despite the common misconception that all Latin cultures are the same, they all vary in food, music and even food. In Cuba, salsa dancing and music is very popular while in Mexico, banda and cumbia is always the latest trend. Although the primary language of these countries is Spanish, they each have their dialect. 

Jasmine Gonzalez, a senior, states how important Hispanic Heritage Month is to her, “Because people who are not Hispanic get to see the culture better and in a deeper meaning. I get to share with other people my Mexican heritage.”

Hispanic culture surrounds us and deserves to be acknowledged by not just those within these cultures but also the rest of the world.