Introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month

Hello! 😁 Welcome to a guide to Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the history and contributions of Hispanic communities 🎉 and is held from September 15 to October 15. 📆 This happens at the same time as many celebrations of independence in Latin American nations such as Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua! 🌎

Hispanic Heritage Month was introduced in 1968 during the civil rights movement by George E. Brown, who represented the Latino population in California. 👩‍⚖️ The holiday was officially passed by Lyndon B. Johnson and later expanded by Ronald Reagan. 📣

Let’s dive into some delicious eats of Hispanic communities! Originating from native people in Mexico, the Aztecs and Mayans ate food like beans, corn, and tomatoes. 🍅🌽 Through colonization, the Spaniards brought meat, like cows and pigs. 🐮🐷

Today, Hispanic countries boast many delectable dishes. Mexicans enjoy tortillas and beans in almost every dish and like to grill, fry, or stew their meat. 🥩 Popular Mexican dishes include burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos, which have made a name for themselves all over the world. 🌮  Yum!

In Spain, a well-known dish is a paella made with rice, chorizo, seafood, and vegetables. 🎣 Check out a recipe to make your own paella! Gazpacho is another dish, which is a soup made from cold tomato 🍅 (or other vegetables). Fried anchovies are especially popular!

Spanish families and communities usually eat together every day as a way to share comforting meals and memories. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Art is an essential part of Hispanic culture. Let’s take a look at some of the different styles and artists! 👀

Historically, artists experimented creatively with bright colors and different mediums. 🖌 They used art not only to show their love ❤️ for their culture, but also to speak out about social and political issues. 🗣

One well-known artist is Diego Velázquez, who was part of the Baroque movement and served as a painter for King Philip the Fourth. 🤴 He had an extraordinary style that went on to influence many future painters. 👩‍🎨 One of his most famous works was Las Meninas. 👯‍♀️

Francisco Goya was part of the Romantic Movement. 💝 In his paintings, Goya includes several political themes—for example, Ejecución de los Defensores de Madrid, tres de mayo mil ochocientos ocho (Execution of the Madrid Ombudsmen, three of May one thousand eight hundred and eight) depicts the great Spanish resistance against Napoleon. 🤺

A standout in her field, Frida Kahlo’s artwork is very personal and symbolic. 💛 She used her art to participate in both social and political movements and show pride 👏 in her Mexican identity. Although she suffered from severe health complications, she didn’t let them deter her from becoming an extremely talented artist. 🖼 Check out some of Kahlo’s paintings!

Last but certainly not least, let’s meet Pablo Picasso. He was another famous Mexican painter who developed many unique styles such as Cubism. 🧊 Picasso’s styles varied wildly, from abstract to realistic themes. 🥸

Get dancing, because it’s time to groove to the beat of Hispanic music, which reflects a diverse range of traditions and influences! Common instruments include the conga, which is a large drum 🥁 and is played standing; keys, which are wooden sticks; cowbells; and timbales. Guitars include both the guitar, which is common in Mexico; and the Cuban guitar, with either six or nine strings. 🎸

Puerto Ricans in New York created salsa. 🌆 Different styles distinguish themselves in different parts of the world 🌍, and its unique rhythm is popular with many listeners.

Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic, heavily influenced by Wilfrido Vargas. Known for its heavy rhythm, this music drives the heart of many dance parties! 💃🏻 Enjoy some merengue music.

Tango finds its origins in the Rio de la Plata. It was first popular in immigrant communities 🌃 in Buenos Aires. Eventually, it made its way into the speakers of bars and clubs. It is heavily influenced by jazz and blues. 🎷

In today’s modern age, Latin American pop music is a trendy and upbeat genre, popularized by famous singers including Shakira and Marc Anthony. The song “Despacito” 🕺 is a standout in its own right and won the hearts of listeners all over the world.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a culturally rich tradition celebrated each year by millions of people. It focuses heavily on Hispanic people’s contributions to society in many aspects, which can be seen all over the world today! 🥳 To participate in the festivities, take a moment during Hispanic Heritage Month to pick up a book 📚 by a Hispanic author or listen to some catchy merengue. 🎧