Hispanic Heritage Month: A Neighborhood Learning Guide

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed each year from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It began as a week-long observance in 1968 and was expanded to a full month in 1988.

The start date is meaningful. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Boston and New England are home to large and diverse Latino communities, including people with roots in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and many other places. This guide offers practical ways for neighbors, families and community groups to learn and celebrate together.

A Note on Words

People use different terms to describe their identities, including Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latine and Latinx, as well as national identities such as Puerto Rican, Dominican or Salvadoran. In general, “Hispanic” refers to Spanish-speaking heritage, while “Latino” refers to Latin American heritage. Brazilians, for example, are often considered Latino but not Hispanic, since Portuguese is Brazil’s main language. Many people prefer to be identified by their specific country of origin.

The best approach is simple: notice how people describe themselves and follow their lead. When in doubt, ask respectfully.

Start at the Library

Public libraries are one of the best places to begin. Many host special displays, readings, music and family programs during Hispanic Heritage Month. Ideas to try:

• Ask a librarian for books by Latino authors for children, teens and adults.
• Look for bilingual picture books to read aloud as a family.
• Explore cookbooks featuring dishes from different Latin American countries.
• Borrow music and films from across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world.
• Check the event calendar for talks, concerts and craft programs.

Learn About Local History

Latino communities have shaped New England for generations. Neighborhoods such as Jamaica Plain, East Boston, Chelsea and Lawrence, along with communities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, have long histories of Latino residents, businesses, churches and cultural organizations.

To explore local history:

1. Ask your library or historical society about local Latino history collections.
2. Look for murals and public art celebrating Latino heritage, and learn about the artists.
3. Listen to neighbors’ stories, if they wish to share them.
4. Read local news coverage about community leaders, organizations and milestones.

Explore Through Food, Thoughtfully

Food is a wonderful way to connect with a culture, and Latin American cuisines are incredibly varied. A pupusa from El Salvador, a mofongo from Puerto Rico, a Dominican sancocho, Colombian arepas and Mexican tamales each have their own histories and regional traditions.

• Visit locally owned Latino restaurants, bakeries and markets.
• Ask about the dishes and their origins, with genuine curiosity.
• Try cooking a new recipe at home, ideally from a cookbook by an author from that culture.
• Remember that no single dish represents an entire region or people.

Celebrate Music, Dance and Art

From salsa, merengue, bachata and cumbia to bomba, plena, son and samba, Latin American music traditions are rich and diverse. Look for free concerts, dance classes and art exhibits during the month. Many community centers and libraries host performances, and public parks sometimes feature cultural festivals.

Family Activities

• Map project: Find the countries of Latin America on a map and learn one fact about each.
• Language play: Learn a few words or phrases in Spanish or Portuguese, such as greetings and numbers.
• Story time: Read a bilingual book together.
• Art inspiration: Explore the work of a Latin American artist and create your own piece inspired by it.
• Music night: Listen to music from different countries and talk about the instruments you hear.

For Neighborhood Groups

Neighborhood associations, schools and community groups can mark Hispanic Heritage Month in ways that center Latino voices.

1. Partner, do not presume. Work with Latino residents and organizations to plan events, rather than planning for them.
2. Make events accessible. Offer materials and interpretation in Spanish and other languages spoken in your community.
3. Spotlight local voices. Invite neighbors, artists, business owners and community leaders to share their work and stories, with fair recognition.
4. Support local businesses. Cater events from Latino-owned restaurants and bakeries.
5. Keep going. Look for ways to include and collaborate with Latino neighbors all year.

Avoiding Common Missteps

• Do not treat Latino cultures as a single culture. Each country and community has its own traditions.
• Avoid costumes or stereotypes, such as sombreros or fake mustaches, which can be hurtful.
• Do not assume someone’s country of origin, language or immigration story.
• Do not assume every Latino neighbor speaks Spanish, or speaks only Spanish.

Conversation Starters for Neighbors

Some of the best learning happens in everyday conversation. If a neighbor is open to sharing, gentle questions can open the door:

• “Are there any traditions your family keeps during this time of year?”
• “What is a dish you grew up with that you would recommend?”
• “Is there a musician or author you think more people should know about?”
• “What do you love most about this neighborhood?”

Listen more than you talk, follow the other person’s lead and never push someone to explain their background or represent an entire community.

Learning Together, All Year

Hispanic Heritage Month is a starting point, not an end point. The friendships, curiosity and connections that begin in September can continue throughout the year. Neighborhoods are stronger when every resident’s heritage is seen, valued and shared.