Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Tierra Encantada: Honoring Culture and Community
At Tierra Encantada, we believe in the importance of cultural enrichment and community connection, which is why celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a meaningful occasion for us. this month-long celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions, history, and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
The History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 each year. The celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize the impact of Hispanic culture in the United States. Twenty years later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a full month.
The starting date wasn’t just chosen at random! September 15 is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, that gained independence from Spain in 1821. These countries include:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua,
In addition to these, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, while Chile follows on September 18.
Why We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time to reflect on the rich histories of Hispanic and Latinx communities but also an opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate the art, traditions, and cultural contributions that continue to shape the fabric of the United States.
At Tierra Encantada, we believe in fostering cultural awareness and diversity. Our Spanish immersion program serves as the foundation for these values, helping children embrace bilingualism and celebrate the cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world. Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to expand on these lessons, creating moments of cultural discovery for both children and their families.
How Tierra Encantada Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Throughout this special month, we incorporate various cultural activities emphasizing Hispanic and Latinx traditions. Here’s how we celebrate at Tierra Encantada:
- Storytelling and Books: We share stories that highlight influential Hispanic figures and folk tales from Latin American countries. Children get to enjoy books in Spanish that showcase the beauty of bilingualism and the diversity of Hispanic cultures.
- Art and Music: Our classrooms are filled with music from Latin American artists, and children are encouraged to create art inspired by famous Hispanic painters or cultural traditions. Music and dance activities help children connect to the vibrant sounds of salsa, cumbia, and mariachi.
- Festive Crafts: Children participate in creative projects that honor Hispanic traditions. From making colorful piñatas to crafting paper flowers inspired by Mexican culture, these hands-on activities make learning fun and meaningful.
- Cultural Exploration: We introduce children to different Hispanic countries, and explore the traditions of their maestras (teachers) Hispanic heritage!
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Home
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at home is a wonderful way for families to connect with culture, language, and community. Here are a few ideas to bring the celebration into your home:
Explore Hispanic Cuisine: Try cooking traditional dishes from Latin American countries. From tacos al pastor to arepas and empanadas, there are countless recipes to explore. Involve your children in the cooking process to teach them about different ingredients and the stories behind each dish.
Listen to Latin Music: Introduce your family to the wide range of musical genres that originate from Hispanic cultures. You can create a playlist featuring everything from salsa and reggaetón to boleros and Latin pop. Encourage your children to dance along to the rhythm!
Learn about Famous Hispanic Figures: Take the time to explore the stories of Hispanic individuals who have made a lasting impact on history, arts, politics, and science. Learning about figures like Cesar Chavez, Frida Kahlo, Sonia Sotomayor, and Lin-Manuel Miranda (as just a few examples!!) can inspire children and deepen their understanding of the contributions of the Hispanic community.
Practice Spanish at Home: Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect time to practice language skills whether your family is new to Spanish or already immersed in it. You can start with simple words, phrases, or songs, making learning both fun and practical.
