Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15 in recognition of the rich history, heritage, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This celebration recognizes the cultural legacy of American citizens with roots in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
President Lyndon Johnson signed Hispanic Heritage Week into law in 1968. Then, in 1988, the celebration expanded into a month when President Ronald Reagan signed National Hispanic Heritage Month into law. Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15, independence day for five Spanish-speaking countries. In 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the importance of Hispanic culture. It’s also a time to celebrate and grow together while supporting our Hispanic friends and colleagues.
See below for celebrations we will host on campus for National Hispanic Heritage Month, or check out these other activities. All campus events are free and open to the campus community.
September 10: First Latin Hispanic Alliance Meeting – All Are Welcome!
5:30 p.m. | Culture, Community, & Belonging (CCB) Center, Mund
Meet our executive board, prep surprises for Hispanic Heritage Month, and help us build a playlist together. Bring a song from your favorite Latin artist, or come discover someone new!
September 16: Latin Dance Night – Kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month
6–8 p.m. | Flag Pole Patio (CCB entrance), Mund
Celebrate la alegría of Latin culture through dance, music, and community. Learn some basic steps, join the dancing, or simply enjoy the rhythms, snacks, and good company.
September 19: Crimmigration: Who is the “Bad” Immigrant?
6 p.m. | Zimmerman Recital Hall
Featuring Prof. Lorena Ávila, Villanova University
Lorena finisher her doctorate at the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. Her career involves Columbia and Latin America’s state-building and peace-keeping initiatives, focusing on criminal justice issues across the Americas and human rights protection mechanisms. Currently, her research in the United States focuses on the role of law and legal bureaucracies in propelling inequalities through the immigration system.
September 24: LHA Meeting – Taste of Latin America
5:30 p.m. | Culture, Community, & Belonging (CCB) Center, Mund
Sample sweets from Brazil and Ecuador while connecting with peers and planning future events.
*Special Note: Metz will be serving empanadas in the dining hall this day. Start your taste of Latin America there and then join us for our meeting!
September 27: Outdoor Movie Night
7 p.m. | Social Quad
Bring your blanket and friends! We’ll provide the snacks while we enjoy In The Heights under the stars!
October 8: LHA Meeting – “Where Are You From / Where Have You Been?”
5:30 p.m. | Culture, Community, & Belonging (CCB) Center, Mund
Share your stories, photos, and favorite experiences from Latin countries; food, traditions, customs, and travel memories. We’ll also enjoy a small taste-testing of Latin treats and make headbands and marigold garlands.
October 13: From Streets, Ruins, and Women’s Baseball Fields to the Screen: Italian Neorealism’s Aesthetic in Cuban Cinema
5 p.m. | Bishop Library Atrium
Featuring Prof. Anastasia Valecce, Spelman College, Atlanta
October 22: LHA Meeting – Día de los Muertos Craft Night
5:30 p.m. | Culture, Community, & Belonging (CCB) Center, Mund
Create your own remembrance frame to honor a loved one in preparation for our community ofrenda. Celebrate and remember beloved family members or pets. Supplies provided.
October 23: Documentary Viewing & Q&A—Vieques: Archivo Vivo
4 p.m. | Chapel 101
Vieques: Archivo Vivo (Vieques: A Living Archive) is a feature-length documentary of 89 minutes (with credits), in Spanish (with English subtitles), which covers the history of Vieques before and after the departure of the US from the island in 2003. The film is based on materials included in the public digital humanities project Vieques Struggle: A Digital Video Archive, is a collection of video interviews that tells the story of demilitarization on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico. View the trailer here.
The documentary will be followed by a virtual Q&A with the director. Juan Carlos Rodriguez is an Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center at Georgia Tech University.
October 26: Community Ofrenda Decorating
Mund Concourse
Help us prepare our Día de los Muertos altar by contributing items, photos, and memories of your loved ones.
October 28: Lecture: The Significance of the Ofrenda
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mund Living Room
Professor Barbara McNulty leads a discussion about the meaning, artistry, and traditions behind Día de los Muertos.
October 29: Día de los Muertos Celebration
Time TBD | Mund Living Room
Enjoy pan de muertos, Mexican hot chocolate, skull painting, and watch the movie, The Book of Life, to close out our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
A Legacy of Leadership & Impact
Hispanic and Latino individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s history. From business leaders and activists to artists, athletes, politicians, and entertainers, their contributions continue to drive change and enrich our society. These trailblazers inspire future generations, leaving an indelible mark on every corner of American life.
Did You Know?
The deliciously addictive corn chip recipe was created by Mexican-American restaurant owner Gustavo Olguin, who sold the recipe to the Doolin family in 1932. Since 1961, the curly, fried chips have been produced by the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo.
A revolutionary invention in the makeup industry, the Beauty Blender was the first sponge of its kind to reproduce an airbrush-effect when applying foundation to skin. It was created by Latina makeup artist and entrepreneur Rea Ann Silva.
Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria a chemical engineer from Puerto Rican descent and her team at NASA created the batteries which are used in space satellites to improve their performance.
Angela Guzman is a Colombian-American UX designer who co-created the original set of Apple emojis in 2008.
Mexican-American physicist Albert Vinicio Báez was the co-creator of the X-ray reflection microscope which uses X-rays to produce enlarged images of small or distant subjects. Thanks to this invention, we have the ability to examine things as small as living cells and as far away as galaxies.