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DATE: OCTOBER 7 – OCTOBER 11, 2013
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic
Heritage Month
SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
By TFK Staff
MELANIE STETSON FREEMAN —THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR/GETTY
IMAGES
From mid-September through mid-October, America recognizes the contributions, culture, and heritage of Hispanic Americans.
The month-long celebration began on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico achieved independence on September 16 while Chile gained independence on
September 18.
Hispanic Heritage History
Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as National Hispanic Heritage
Week to honor the independence of Hispanic countries from
September 15-18. In 1974, then President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed the week beginning September 10, 1974, and ending September 16,
1974, as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1989, it became a month-long celebration which we now honor every year.
Hispanic people were among the earliest European settlers in the New
World, what is today the United States. Hispanic Americans have roots in Europe, Africa, and South and Central America and close cultural ties to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and
Use full sentences.
Cite the text as much as possible.
Monday:
1. What are the dates of National
Hispanic Heritage Month?
2. What does this month-long recognition celebrate?
3. What is “El Dia de la Raza?” What does it celebrate?
Tuesday:
1. Who began Hispanic Heritage Week?
When?
2. When did it become a month-long celebration?

Spain.
Today, the Hispanic or Latino population in the U.S. is estimated at
50.5 million people. According to the U.S. Census (a study that tracks population growth), the country's Hispanic population grew by 43 percent from 2000 to 2010, making it the largest and the fastest growing minority group in the country.
3. What is the population of Hispanics in the U.S. today?
Honoring 'The Day of the Race'
The celebration extends into October to mark "El Dia de la Raza," or
"The Day of the Race" on October 12. "El Dia de la Raza" is observed throughout most of Mexico and Latin America. The day celebrates the many nationalities —a people having a common beginning, tradition, or language —that are present in the history of Mexico, Central America, and South America. These nationalities include Native Americans such as the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas; and European nationalities such as Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Famous Hispanic Americans
From sports to government to entertainment and science, Hispanic
Americans have played important roles in America's history, its values, and culture. They include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, baseball star Alex Rodriguez, actors George Lopez, journalist Geraldo
Rivera, actresses America Ferrera and Selena Gomez, astronauts
Michael Lopez-Alegria and Ellen Ochoa and authors Isabel Allende and Julia Alvarez. As of 2002, more than 63,000 people were on active duty in the Armed Forces according to the U.S. Census.
Everyone Can Celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated with community festivals, government gatherings, and educational activities. Many schools celebrate the month by learning about contributions of Hispanic
Americans both past and present. Continue reading our Hispanic
Heritage Month Mini-Site to read interviews with famous Hispanic
Americans and learn more about their influence on our country and culture.
Wednesday:
1. What is “El Dia de la Raza?”
2. What nationality are you? If you consider yourself “American,” do you know where your ancestors came from? (Example: Ms. Bucklee is
American, but her ancestors are from
England and Wales!)
Thursday:
1. What are some of the important roles that Hispanic Americans have played in
U.S. history?
2. Do you know of any Hispanic
Heritage Month celebrations where you live? What type of celebration would you want to attend?
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