This November, Maryvale celebrated Hispanic Heritage month from September 15 through October 15. But before going into this month’s activities, let’s look at the past of Hispanic heritage month and how it came to be.
Hispanic heritage month first began as a week when it was introduced by Congressman George E. Brown in 1968. On September 17th in the same year it was made official that September 15th and 16th were the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage week. This week was meant for the observance of hispanic cultural ceremonies and activities, as well as to value hispanic contributions in America. The start date of September 15th was chosen because it was the day that several Latin American nations declared their independence. Five nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua— had declared their independence from Spain on September 15th in 1821. Belize, Chile, and Mexico also have independence days in the month of September. In 1987, the idea to turn Hispanic Heritage week into a month was brought up by Representative Esteban E. Torres of California. While the idea passed through Congress for some time, it was eventually made a month period by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. This is how Hispanic heritage month transformed from a week to an entire month, with the recognition of South American independence days and the efforts that America’s own Hispanic citizens have had on this country.
Hispanic Heritage month recognizes all types of Hispanic/Latin communities, and the value that their culture brings to our country. Through Hispanic heritage month, more people can come to understand hispanic culture and traditions, as well as connect to other communities. This month also gives a voice to the Hispanic/Latin communities in America to talk about their values and traditions, acknowledging the roles that hispanics play in society.
Maryvale’s own Sabor Latina club has been hard at work to provide the school’s community with opportunities to experience parts of Latin American culture. One of the experiences they offered was when they hosted dance lessons during resource periods in the month of September, offering to teach students Latino dances such as Bachata and Salsa. They also gave out free tastes of traditional hispanic foods during lunch, happy to share their culture’s food with the rest of the school. On Friday the 18th, they presented slides during community homeroom about their club member’s own cultures, proudly showing off their heritage. For their final activity the club hosted a Hispanic Heritage Movie Night which was held on October 23, showing The Book of Life in the theatre.
Maryvale’s recognition of Hispanic heritage has provided insight about Latin American culture, and as we say adios to Hispanic Heritage month, let’s remember to value all the joyful and educational experiences made possible at our school.
