National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year. The dates were chosen in part because several Latin American countries celebrate their independence during that stretch, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on September 15, Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. Across Boston and New England, the month brings festivals, library programs, music and food that highlight the many cultures that make up the region’s Latino communities.
As the month draws to a close, it is a good moment to think about how to carry that appreciation forward. The most lasting celebration is the one that continues in everyday life.
Reflect on What You Learned
Take a few minutes, on your own or with your household, to look back on the month.
- Did you try a new food, read a new book or attend an event?
- Did you learn something about a country, region or tradition you knew little about?
- Did you meet someone new or deepen a friendship?
- What would you like to learn more about?
Writing down a few answers can help you turn a month of interest into a year of follow-through.
Remember the Diversity Within the Community
“Hispanic” and “Latino” are broad terms that include people with roots in many countries, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil and many more. Some people prefer one term over another, and many identify first by their family’s country or region of origin. Languages vary, too: Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous languages and English are all part of the picture.
When getting to know neighbors, it is respectful to let people describe their own identity and to avoid assuming that everyone shares the same culture, history or language.
Support Local Businesses All Year
Latino-owned bakeries, restaurants, markets, salons and shops are part of what makes many New England neighborhoods vibrant. Ideas for ongoing support:
- Make a favorite local spot part of your regular routine, not just a once-a-year visit.
- Order from local businesses for office lunches, family gatherings and celebrations.
- Leave positive reviews and recommend businesses to friends.
- Ask staff about dishes or products you have not tried before.
Keep Reading, Listening and Watching
Libraries are a wonderful resource for continued learning.
- Ask a librarian for books by Latino authors, for adults and for children.
- Look for bilingual picture books to read with kids.
- Explore music from different countries and genres, from salsa and bachata to cumbia, bossa nova and beyond.
- Watch films and documentaries by Latino filmmakers.
- Learn about Latino history in New England, including the communities that have shaped neighborhoods and cities across the region over many decades.
Practice a Language Together
Learning even a few words in a neighbor’s language can be a warm gesture. Many libraries offer free language-learning resources and conversation groups. At the same time, many neighbors are working to practice English, and conversation partners in both directions can build friendships.
A few phrases go a long way, such as “Buenos días” for good morning or “Gracias” for thank you. Ask a neighbor to help with pronunciation; most people appreciate the effort.
Show Up for Community Events
Celebrations of Latino culture happen throughout the year, not only from mid-September to mid-October. Keep an eye out for:
- Independence Day celebrations for various countries at different times of year
- Cultural festivals and parades in local neighborhoods
- Holiday traditions such as Día de los Muertos in early November, Three Kings Day in January and many others
- Library and museum programs, concerts and art shows
When attending, go as a respectful guest. Listen, learn, ask questions politely and follow the lead of organizers.
Be a Good Neighbor in Practical Ways
Celebration also means everyday solidarity. Practical ways to support neighbors include:
- Sharing information in Spanish or Portuguese when you post notices about building issues, events or safety updates.
- Making sure community meetings offer interpretation when needed.
- Including Latino neighbors and businesses in planning neighborhood events.
- Learning how to pronounce people’s names correctly.
Ideas for Families
- Cook a recipe together from a country you learned about this month.
- Keep a family “passport” where kids add a page for each culture they learn about during the year.
- Invite a neighbor to share a game, song or story from their childhood.
- Mark a few culturally significant dates on the family calendar for the coming year.
Year-Round Checklist
- Reflect on what you learned this month
- Let neighbors describe their own identities
- Support Latino-owned businesses regularly
- Keep reading and listening through the library
- Learn a few phrases in a neighbor’s language
- Attend community events throughout the year
- Make neighborhood information accessible in more than one language
Learning From Neighbors, Respectfully
Some of the best learning comes from conversations with neighbors, but no one should be expected to serve as a teacher or spokesperson for an entire culture. If a neighbor is happy to share a recipe, a song or a family tradition, listen with genuine interest and gratitude. If not, respect that. Libraries, museums and community organizations are good places to learn more on your own, so friendships can grow naturally without pressure.
Quick check: Why does National Hispanic Heritage Month begin on September 15?
- It is the first day of fall
- Several Latin American countries celebrate their independence on that date
- It marks the start of the school year
Show answer
B. Several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, celebrate independence on September 15.
