Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationally recognized holiday to celebrate and educate on the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the U.S. It’s also a time for LatinX people to celebrate their roots! It started as a week-long celebration established by legislation sponsored by Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Many Central and South American countries celebrate their independence day during this timeframe.
The Hispanic community continues to grow, contribute and make-up the American culture. From immigration policies to pop culture to companies translating content into Spanish, Latinx Americans are making their voices heard in how companies go to market, schools operate, and government executes.
Did you know?
According to the U.S. Census:
- 17% of the U.S. population and 5% of the Ohio population is Hispanic.
- By 2020, 26% of teens and 23% of the 18-34 demographic will be Hispanic.
- Hispanics are the youngest ethnic group in America with a median age of 28, while the U.S. median age is 38.
- Hispanics in Ohio are even younger than the rest of the Hispanic population with a median age of 24.
- 75% of Hispanics choose to speak Spanish at home.
- U.S. born Hispanics are now growing at a larger percentage than new Hispanic immigrants.
What is the difference between Hispanic, Latino/a and LatinX?
The term Latino refers to all people of Central and South America. The term Hispanic* refers to all people who speak Spanish, which includes all central and South America and Spain, but excludes Brazil. LatinX, a gender-neutral representation of a population, is a newer term used by younger generations. There is no right or wrong answer when addressing this population group, so please ask which term someone prefers.
*For U.S. statistics and demographic information Hispanic is inclusive of anyone from Central and South America. Many people count themselves Hispanic well into third and fourth generations.
There are many things to do, read, watch and listen to in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. So we rounded up some of the activities you can do at home or around Ohio for the month.
Things to Do
Hispanic Restaurant Week
October 10-18 | Columbus, OH
Experience Latin American culture and cuisine through an extensive tour of 20+ restaurants! You’ll enjoy traditions from all different regions, such as Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean, Honduras, Argentina and many more.
2020 Américas Award Ceremony
October 12 | Online event
Join the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) and the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress to honor the 2020 Américas Award winners.
Smithsonian Institute’s Exhibition, “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art.”
Online Exhibition
Appreciate Hispanic art from the comfort of your home with this extensive exhibition, which includes 72 modern and contemporary artists and a total of 92 artworks.
Things to Read
Books:
- El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
- The Labyrinth of Solitude and Other Writings by Octavio Paz
- The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
- Love War Stories by Ivelisse Rodríguez
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
- The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
For more books, check out Amazon’s book list for Hispanic Heritage Month and Goodreads’ book list for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Poems:
- Poems by Pablo Neruda
- Poems by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
- “I Am Not Alone” by Gabriela Mistral
- “Emplumada” by Lorna Dee Cervantes
- “Ancestor” by Jimmy Santiago Baca
- “Rain” by Claribel Alegria
- Poems by Alfonsina Storni
- Poems by Rosario Castellanos
For more poems, check out this poem list for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Things to Watch
Films:
- City of God (2002)
- Coco (2017)
- Eva No Duerme (2015)
- Filly Brown (2012)
- The Graduates (2013)
- Frida (2002)
- Viva (2016)
- Roma (2018)
YouTube Videos:
Ted Talks:
For more Ted Talks, check out Ted Talks by Hispanic and LatinX Speakers for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Things to Listen To
Podcasts:
- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with NPR on Spotify
- Ofelia Esparza on Día de Los Muertos
- Lin-Manuel Miranda on Hamilton (Part One / Part Two)
- Juan Felipe Herrera on honoring languages and cultures
For more podcasts, check out National Endowment for the Arts’ Podcasts to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Playlists:
- LatinX Heritage Month Mix on Spotify
Whatever you do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope this list helps you find some new ideas you and your family can do!