TEXAS — It’s Hispanic Heritage Month and as it turns out, the name is a little bit misleading as it is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.

What is it? It’s a time to recognize and honor the contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Mexico, Spain, South America, Central America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.

Back in 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to issue a proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, in 1988, President Ronald Regan expanded it to a month.

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month is no accident. It begins on September 15 in order to mark the anniversary of independence of five Latin American counties: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and make sure your kids are educated along the way? The possibilities are endless, but this can get you started.

Celebrate in San Antonio

The San Antonio Public Library has numerous events, and they’re available online. From cooking lessons to poetry and writing workshops, you’re certain to find something you’ll enjoy.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month has officially begun and we're excited to announce a very special online event for kids and...

Posted by San Antonio Public Library on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

While most of the events at the University of Texas at San Antonio are geared toward adults, there’s a great deal of variety, and some lessons you can impart to your kids. Events include speakers, panel discussions, book clubs, films, symposiums.

Celebrate in Dallas

If you live in or are planning to visit the Dallas area, there are a number of destinations that will complement Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino Cultural Center has a number of events planned, including an exhibition called “Honoring Our Ancestors: A 500-Year Journey Back to Hernan Cortes.”

You’ll also find Latin American collections at the Dallas Museum of Art. The Ancient American collection, for instance, represents Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and other counties.

Celebrate in Austin

If you’re in the Austin area, one of the branches of Austin Public Library is the place to be. You’ll find Hispanic Heritage Month kits at three branches on Wednesday, September 23.

Celebrate at Home

We’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately due to the coronavirus pandemic, and you might as well take advantage.

If you have younger kids and enjoy reading to them, you might start with Turning Pages by Sonia Sotomayor. The picture book tells the story of Sotomayor’s rise to become the first Hispanic and Latina Supreme Court Justice.

Another option is Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina. It’s described as a cross-generational story about a young girl getting to know her grandmother.

In addition to a good book, you might choose to have a family movie or TV night with a Hispanic Heritage Month theme. Some kid-friendly options include Maya & Miguel, The Book of Life, Legend Quest, and Coco.

Hispanic Heritage Month is also an excellent opportunity for your kids to learn Spanish. There are countless books, videos and apps available, and this list will get you started.