Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Because it is the anniversary of independence of five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, who all declared independence in 1821, September 15th was chosen as the starting date. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21 respectively. In 1988, the commemorative week was expanded to a month (September 15 to October 15).
People celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by honoring artists, writers, musicians, and other celebrities of Hispanic descent; making traditional meals; and learning more about Hispanic places and their culture.
How to Find Out More
To read a book online, click on the books on the bookshelf.
To see books available in the library written by or about a person of Hispanic descent, click on the Quote of the Day.
To find kid-friendly recipes, click on the menu.
To learn how to make Mexican Hot Chocolate, click on the red mug.
To learn about seven amazing Latina athletes, click on the trophy.
To play the Central American country name game, click on the globe.
To watch a music video about the countries in Central America, click on the poster of the musician in front of the globe.
To find out about the best Latin American soccer players, click on the soccer ball.
To learn about Hispanic musicians and singers, click on the Viva la Música poster.
To read book/watch stories about Hispanic musicians from NC Kids Digital, click on the book covers on the Viva la Música poster.
To learn about Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor, click on the gavel (also called a court hammer).
To watch a video from PBS about Cesar Chavez, click on the fruit bowl.
To watch a video from ESPN about famous baseball player Roberto Clemente, click on the baseball.
To visit the Museum of Latin American Art, click on the painting.
To watch Yuyi Morales' Viva Frida and learn about the process of making the book, click on the painting in the purple frame.
To learn about Latin American Art from Khan Academy, click on the clock.
To learn about Hispanic inventors, click on the lamp.
But Wait, There's More!
Stop by the library to pick up a Hispanic Heritage activity kit*!
Make hojalata tin art during this week's Maker Monday.