How to Celebrate: Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year since 1988 when President Ronald Reagan upgraded President Lyndon Johnson’s 1968 Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of ancestors from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, Central and South America.
The importance of the extension from one week’s time to one month holds great importance as there are many days to be protected and celebrated within the timeframe of September 15th to October 15th that Hispanic Heritage Month is highlighted.
September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua – Latin American countries. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16th and September 18th. October 9th hosts the Day of the Races or Dia de La Raza.
This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
There are many ways for you and your Girl Scouts to celebrate and give back during this month!
- Girl Scouts can earn their Girl Scout Hispanic Heritage Month Sew-On Patch | Girl Scout Shop
- Anyone interested in more information can go to the Volunteer Collective: Multicultural Community Celebrations | Girl Scouts
- Read 30 Picture Books to Celebrate the Diversity of Latinx Heritage | School Library Journal (slj.com) and find movies about Hispanic heritage at RT Recommends: 46 Hispanic Movies to Watch With the Whole Family | Rotten Tomatoes
- Donate on the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) website: Donate (wagggs.org)
- Based on this year’s theme, consider donating to other organization supporting these causes:
- Consider an activity that correlates with the celebration and achievements of Hispanics
In 2022, nearly 64 million people in the United States identified as Hispanic or Latinx; that is nearly 20% of our population! To honor these Americans, consider spending some time this month learning about all the ways that they have made an impact in the United States of America.
