JACKSON, Wyo. — National Hispanic Heritage Month or Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, a celebration lasting from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, honors the culture, history and accomplishments of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
According to the U.S. Department of State, this tradition acknowledges the countless contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas and Latinx-identifying people of past and present.
The National Archives states, “Spanish surnamed population has contributed the highest proportion of Medal of Honor winners through acts of bravery and determination in the defense of our land.”
Celebrated for over 50 years, National Hispanic Heritage Month began as commemorative week during the height of the civil rights movement. In the 1960’s a growing awareness of multicultural citizens shed light on Hispanic American contributions.
California Congressman George E. Brown, Rep. Edward R. Royal of Los Angeles and Henry B. Gonzales, the first Mexican American elected to the U.S. House, introduced legislation declaring Sept. 15 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week. President Lyndon Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation on Sept. 17, 1968.
The start date of what is now known as National Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the day Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept.16 and Sept.18.
In 1987, U.S. Rep. Esteban E. Torres of California proposed that a month would more properly celebrate Hispanic heritage.
“Supporters of this bill want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the country, a legacy that includes artists, writers, Olympic champions and leaders in business, government, cinema and science,” said Torres.
A year later, Senator Paul Simon of Illinois amended Torres’ bill to expand the observance to 31 days. The bill was enacted into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988. Under the presidency of George H. W. Bush, National Hispanic Heritage Month was officially proclaimed to be observed from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Jackson recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month and the community’s large number of Hispanic Americans who have familial roots in Tlaxcala, Mexico, a small state east of Mexico City. Tlaxcalan dancers, or “huehues”, a name derived from the Nahuatl god of fire and wisdom, shared their traditional dance at Teton County Library on Sept. 23. The dancers wore carnival-like wooden masks, feathers and sequin shawls, giving life to their blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures.
Communities across the country continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with family festivities, art exhibits and dance.
President Joe Biden proclaimed, “We recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage.”
