Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America have made to American society.
It started as a weeklong observance in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was extended to a month two decades later by President Ronald Reagan. Every president since then has proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Celebrate with Food
A big part of Hispanic heritage is food. Many Hispanic families still follow traditional family recipes from home. These dishes bring them closer to their countries of origin, and they are often served at family celebrations or holidays.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, incorporate ingredients rooted in Latin cuisine into your favorite recipes that the whole family will love. Add Real California Milk to your favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales to give your menu the authentic flavor and tradition to be genuinely festive and unique.
Hispanic heritage is a rich culture, and each nation has a unique history, music, dance, and food traditions. Celebrate this year by sampling dishes reminiscent of your Hispanic community or roots, and try some of these international recipes for the first time.
In addition to celebrating Hispanic heritage through delicious food, remember to take advantage of virtual tours that allow you to visit popular Latin American destinations in the comfort of your home. Explore Chichen Itza, Mexico’s ancient ruins, or trek through Machu Pichu in Peru with guides who share their stories and help you understand the places you’re visiting on an interactive virtual tour.
Celebrate with Music
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15 and is a time to honor the contributions of a vibrant community. It coincides with national independence days in several South and Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Music and dance are two ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latin American music that is so prevalent in our culture can be a way to bring everyone together and learn about other cultures.
To bring music into your work environment, try having a team video call with a group ensemble to iconic Latin songs like “Vivir Mi Vida” and “Suavemente.” Encourage everyone to join in on a call and jam out!
You can also start a team book club with works by Latin American authors. These books can be an excellent opportunity to bring Hispanic voices into your workplace and help everyone feel more comfortable with our diverse culture.
Celebrate with Culture
Whether you’re looking to learn about Hispanic culture through podcasts, hands-on activities, or family trips to Latin America, there are a variety of ways you can honor the contributions of this vibrant community.
For example, consider creating a Spanish-language employee resource group to empower staff to share their experiences and support others with similar backgrounds. You can also use language learning apps like Duolingo to help your team improve their skills.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by hosting a team meal together! For example, you could gather recipes and restaurants on a Google Doc and order takeout from a local Hispanic restaurant for your team.
Another easy way to celebrate is by hosting a movie night. Watch a Hispanic-themed film together, then swap out standard movie snacks with Hispanic-inspired treats like Takis and Latin American candies.
Luminaries, an age-old custom used in Hispanic communities, are also a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You can create them with students in class and place them around the school or your office to remember this unique tradition.
Celebrate with Family
Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about the many contributions that Latinos have made to our society. Hispanics hail from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands and are vital to our culture.
Historically, Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced into Congress as a week-long celebration in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown, who recognized the importance of honoring multicultural groups during a time of high tension and political uncertainty surrounding the civil rights movement.
He believed that the United States could not be a genuinely multiracial country if it were not also accepting and embracing the different cultures within its borders. He began this commemorative month to highlight Hispanics’ critical contributions to our country.
Celebrating with your family and friends is the best way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. These activities will be fun, memorable, and educational for everyone! So, how will you celebrate with your family and friends this year? We’ve got some ideas to help you plan a celebration that’s just right for your family.
Celebrate with Friends
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate with friends and family. You can find various activities and events to participate in, from attending cultural events to eating traditional food and listening to music.
The celebration of Hispanic culture is a way to honor the contributions that these diverse communities have made to America. Hispanics are the most significant ethnic minority in the United States and are a powerful economic force.
There are various ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your team, so pick a few that best fit your organization’s mission and culture. For instance, you can offer your employees a Latin American cooking class or host a virtual potluck on a video call.
Another fun way to celebrate Hispanic culture is through art. Whether you attend an artist-led class or follow a video tutorial, art is a great way to learn about other cultures and tap into your creativity. It’s also an excellent opportunity to build stronger relationships within your company.
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