Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every September 15 through October 15 in the United States. This time is dedicated to appreciating the history, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Hispanic (and Latino) Heritage Month started in 1968 as only a week-long celebration. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, it became a month-long celebration.
The History
The celebration starts in the middle of the month intentionally. September 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico became independent on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
For local Hispanic and Latino communities, it is a time to connect with ancestral history. But it’s also a time to affirm current identity. These communities have made great contributions to the United States through art, cuisine, labor movements, politics, and so much more. And regardless of the past, we celebrate during this month by appreciating the contributions and traditions that have molded this country. Hispanic and Latino history isn’t a side note in America. It’s a crucial chapter to the entire story.
A City Built by Immigrants
Chicago is a city that owes much of its charm to its history. The city was built from the ground up by immigrants who carried their traditions, labor, and creativity through these streets first. Culture prospers very visibly in neighborhoods like Little Village, Pilsen, and nearby suburb Cicero, through the neighborhood’s murals, restaurants, and community centers. The celebration takes the spotlight in so many different ways.
Chicago Latino Dance Festival
One example is the the Chicago Latino Dance Festival, which began in 2023. The festival has performers dance traditional and contemporary forms that show their personal culture and background. The festival is an act of storytelling. Every performance holds the history of generations who came before us. It honors them and makes space for the future generations to continue carrying them forward.
Support Local
If you don’t celebrate this month personally, you can still support local Latino and Hispanic business owners and artisans. There are many family owned restaurants that have carried their culture for decades. Pilsen, a neighborhood on Chicago’s southside was traditionally a Mexican-American neighborhood. It has locally owned restaurants like Coyotes, La Casa Del Pueblo Taqueria, El Milagro Tortillas, and Cantón Regio that serve real and authentic food that make you feel the warmth. They’re also located conveniently to the street where the Mexican Independence Day parade takes place.
Honor All History
Any way you kindly contribute to Hispanic and Latino culture in your city this month is important. It goes beyond your own entertainment. It’s a reminder that our culture is at the heart of these cities and traditions you’ve come to take part in every day. Recognizing the heritage around you helps honor the people that helped build this country. And in so many ways, that’s just as much an American story too.
Editorial Note: Portions of this article were reviewed and refined using AI-assisted editing tools to support grammar, clarity, and style. All content has been fact-checked and approved by our editorial team.photo
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