Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the achievements, contributions, traditions, histories, and cultures of Hispanic Americans. The start date of September 15 is significant as it acknowledges the anniversaries of independence in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile celebrates their independence on September 18.
Hispanic Americans trace their routes to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. According to the US Census, as of 2022, there are more than 63 million Hispanic Americans living in the United States.
The national celebration of Hispanic heritage began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period, which was enacted into law in August 1988.
You can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us at YPL! You can look at our full calendar of events online, or check out some of these upcoming highlights below:
- Health & Flavor with Hispanic Heritage Foods | Will Library | September 16 | 12:00 PM
- Art with Erica: Hispanic Heritage Month Graffiti Inspired by Artist Lee Quinones | Virtual | September 17 | 4:00 PM
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Riverfront Library | September 21 | 12:00 PM
- Friday Fiesta: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Yonkers NNORC | Crestwood Library | September 27 | 1:00 PM
You can also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning more about key Hispanic American figures throughout history and many who are alive today. From civil rights leaders like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, artists like Lin Manuel-Miranda and Selena, and barrier-breakers like Sonia Sotomayor and Dr. Ellen Ochoa, there are many Hispanic-American individuals who have made history. You can check out a wide variety of books by Hispanic authors and about Hispanic-American experiences from our catalog, as well as our digital resources for Spanish speakers.
Alison Robles is a Part-Time Junior Clerk at the Crestwood Library. She is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, historical fiction and fantasy. A Yonkers native, she is currently pursuing an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo.