When did the First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America start?
About First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America Holiday
Today marks the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States of America. It is a celebration of the vibrant culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to this nation.
The United States was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Tracing their heritage to the Latin American countries of Central and South America, Hispanic and Latinx Americans have contributed to making this promise a reality. Throughout its long and storied history, Hispanic and Latinx Americans have made many invaluable contributions to the United States. From the arts and literature, to science and technology, to just about every other aspect of American life, Hispanic and Latinx Americans have left an indelible mark.
We are proud to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Hispanic and Latinx Americans during this National Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is also a reminder to us of our responsibility to honor and promote cultural understanding, to advance educational opportunities for all, and to create a stronger bond between citizens of all backgrounds. With these commitments, we can continue to celebrate America’s wonderful diversity and the vast contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx citizens.
History and Origin of The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America
The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month is an American holiday celebrating the folklore, culture and history of Americans of Latin American or Hispanic descent every year from September 15 to October 15. The holiday began in 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson declared a week dedicated to commemorate the important contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the United States of America. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the holiday to cover a 30-day period and signed a public proclamation expanding it to National Hispanic Heritage Month thus cementing the celebration of Hispanic American heritage in America and around the world.
The concept of a Hispanic Heritage Month traces back to the 1966 founding of the organization Nosotros, otherwise known as the first Latino organization dedicated to advancing the contributions of Latinos in the entertainment business (Rojas,2020). The impact of this organization had a ripple effect and resulted in a California governor giving recognition to an official Hispanic Heritage Week in July of its founding year (Lopez,2020). Thirteen years later, the weeklong celebration turned into a “month.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month was the result of two pressing concerns to American society in the late 1980s: (1) the need to acknowledge and celebrate the presence, contributions, and values of Hispanic Americans and (2) the need to recognize the diverse culture, histories, and legacies of Hispanic Americans.
Significance and Meaning of the First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful statement that demonstrates the significant linkage between generations of Hispanic Americans and the United States of America. It is an acknowledgement of the many contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans throughout the nation’s history. The holiday recognizes the diversity of language, religion, and cultural backgrounds, that is shared by more than 70 million Hispanic-Latino Americans.
This month-long celebration is included on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s list of official observances for 2020 and explains it as follows: “It is important to honor the contributions, distinct cultures, and important experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans.” This is especially true given that today, nearly one in four Americans has at least one Hispanic or Latino ancestor.
This period of time is especially important in terms of education, as it is meant to draw attention to the people, customs, language, art, and history that are connected to Latin American heritage. It also stands as a reminder to renew the fight for civil rights and to show further support for efforts to bridge gaps in communities that are affected by poverty, lack of education, and racial discrimination.
Traditions and Celebrations Around the First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the entire behind the symbolic span of time, invite individuals, families, and communities of all kinds to recognize the vibrancy and importance of the many contributions of Hispanics and Latin Americans in the United States.
A popular tradition is to throw a fiesta, where members of the Hispanic, Latino, and American cultures come together to celebrate with song, dance, food, and games.
A traditional Latin American pastime to play is Loteria. Loteria is similar to Bingo, which is usually played with a lively caller, or a card with numbers, objects, symbols, and phrases. Rather than numbers, Loteria has a unique set of 16 picture cards which vary Traditional Mexican cuisine Might also be enjoyed, alfresco-style, on the lawn or cosy in the family’s living room.
To commemorate the holiday, people may also attend cultural events such such as parades, live music performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and art showcases. Many areas organize these activities throughout the month.
Geographical Spread of The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
The holiday spans across the United States. It is officially owned and celebrated by seven States: Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, California Nevada, and Arizona. Celebration of the holiday is most prominent in those locations due to their higher percentage of Latin American populations, however due to the ease of travel and the fact that there are 52 million Hispanic or Latin American individuals in the United States as of 2018, celebrations exist to some degree in all States.
The holiday is also celebrated in Canada, with huge celebrations occurring in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and various Latin American countries. In the US, it is most popularly celebrated in the major cities. Latino neighborhoods in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York display vivid and joyful festivities each year to mark the occasion with Latinos taking the opportunity to showcase many of Latino cultures.
Modern Day Observations of The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important symbol of the thriving Latin American presence in the United States. It has become an important tool to help young members of the Hispanic and Latin American communities to discover and embrace their culture and heritage.
It has also become a major phenomenon within the digital osphere, with many companies and individuals using this day as an exciting opportunity to engage with consumers, celebrate the rich culture and history of their community, and to promote understanding and acceptance among people of all backgrounds.
Interesting Facts or Trivia About The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
1. In response to certain media outlets refusing to commemorate the First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Twitter users created an annual hashtag campaign to celebrate and honor their culture and traditions. #HispanicHeritageMonth is now one of the most popular hashtags on Twitter during this period.
2. More than 50 million people in the United States are Hispanic or Latino as of April 2020, making them the largest ethnic minority group in the country.
3. One in five U.S. residents are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
4. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American of Hispanic or Latino origin makes $51,000 a year–nearly $6,000 more than the national average.
5. Hispanic culture is celebrated in more than 23 cities around the world by the US State Department’s American Spaces Program, which works to foster international relationships, increase public access to technology and education, and ultimately promote mutual understanding between the US and the world.
6. The all-time best-selling music act in the world is the Latin American band, The Beach Boys, who have sold more than 700 million records.
7. According to recent studies, Latinos account for just 1.3 percent of U.S. board directors despite making up 18.3 percent of the population.
8. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S., behind English.
9. Latinos account for over 20 percent of the total GDP in the US.
10. It’s estimated that about 50 million people of Latin American origin live in the United States.
Holiday Wishes For The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
1. May every one of us continue to celebrate our Hispanic Roots.
2. Here’s wishing a fantastic start to Hispanic Heritage Month!
3. Wishing more strength and success to all Hispanic Americans this Hispanic Heritage Month!
4. May each of us celebrate the blessings of Hispanic Heritage!
5. Here’s to an amazing Hispanic Heritage Month!
Holiday Messages For The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
1. May the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month bring more joy and unity.
2. Celebrating the culture, heritage, and spirit of Hispanic America!
3. Together we celebrate the amazing culture and heritage of Hispanic American
4. Wishing a very prosperous and rewarding Hispanic Heritage Month!
5. Embrace a great spirit of inclusiveness and acceptance this Hispanic Heritage Month!
Holiday Quotes For The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
1. “We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of the earth.” – Barack Obama
2. “Our flag is made up of many colors, for it is dyed by the blood of different cultures.” –Martin Espada
3. “To be truly multicultural, we must have a total cultural acceptance of the fact that every culture is special and unique.” – Richard Christian Matheson
4. “Culture is the key factor in national development.” –Paulo Freire
5. “To maintain one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” –Cesar Chavez
Other Popular Holiday Info for The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month
The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time for the Latin American diaspora, to celebrate the contributions of and reconnect with friends and family from Latin America. This might involve sending good wishes, cards, and letters of encouragement or sympathy to those in Latin American countries. Additionally, some people may choose to donate to those in need in order to recognize and honor the strength and perseverance of their culture.
The observance is also an excellent time for Hispanic and Latin Americans in the United States to become involved in their own communities, to learn about volunteer opportunities, or to participate in civil dialogue with politicians. It is also an opportunity to continue public conversations on issues facing the Latin American community, such as poverty, immigration reform, education, and civil rights.
The First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month is an incredibly important holiday to the United States and many countries around the world. It stands as a reminder of not only the diverse and unique cultures that exist here, but also that we should always strive for inclusion, acceptance, and respect. We hope that you can find some ways to partake in, or honor, this important holiday.
First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America Also Called
Hispanic Heritage Month or National Hispanic Heritage Month.Countries where "First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America" is celebrated:
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In year 1968, First Day of National Hispanic Heritage Month in United States of America is celebrated on September 15 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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