Girl Power! Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is here. It runs from September 15 to October 15. If you are Hispanic/Latina, it's a great time to get in touch with your roots! If you aren't, now's the time to learn about the culture and check out some cool ways to celebrate Hispanic heritage.

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

It’s the only celebration that brings together people of Spanish, Caribbean, North American, Central American, and South American descent. Hispanics come from many different countries. Although all Hispanics speak the same language, everyone speaks it a little differently. Hispanics also come from many indigenous tribes and races. They represent a mixture of several ethnic backgrounds, including European, American Indian, and African. Some Hispanics come from the country and some from the city. Some are used to the cooler climates and some are used to warm tropical climates. Some are from flatlands while others are from the mountains.

Hispanic foods, music, and clothing styles are becoming very popular worldwide! Did you know that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in the United States?

Here are some ways that you can celebrate this special month:

• Check your local community calendar to see if there are any celebrations that you can support. Invite your family and friends.
• Ask your family to help you make your favorite Hispanic foods like empanadas, paella, arroz con pollo, caldo de res, fajitas, enchiladas, and other delicious food.
• Brush up on your language skills. This is a good time to practice and learn Spanish.
• ¡Baila! ¡Baila! Play your favorite salsa, merengue, bachata, or rock en español tunes! Shake your hips! If you don’t know how to dance, ask somebody to teach you. Don’t be shy!
• Check out the biographies of outstanding Hispanic women like Ellen Ochoa, Rebecca Lobo, Dolores Huerta, Gloria Estefan, Linda Chavez-Thompson, and Shakira.
• Learn about the different countries of the Caribbean and North, Central, and South America.
• Find a penpal in a Spanish-speaking country. This is a great way to learn about a different culture.
• Play a Hispanic heritage word search game!
• Send your friends and family Hispanic heritage cards!

Additional Resources

Scholastic Magazine - Learn about Hispanic history and much more!