Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in September

You do not need to look far to find Hispanic/Latino influences in the Golden State. Its major cities all have Spanish names: Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, and El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Los Angeles (Los Angeles), referencing the state’s time under Spanish and Mexican rule.

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration began in 1968 when Southern California Congressman George E. Brown introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives. The celebration was later expanded from one week to a 30-day celebration during Ronald Reagan’s time as president, extending it from September 15 to October 15 every year.

The celebration includes the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries: on September 15 El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras celebrate their Independence. Mexico celebrates its Independence on September 16 (not on Cinco de Mayo!) and Chile commemorates its independence on September 18. October 12, known throughout Latin Americas as Dia de la Raza and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many places throughout the United States, also falls within the month.

Trivia Time

Did you know that Latin American inventors are responsible for many technological advances that shape our lives today?

• Luis von Ahn of Guatemala developed CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA after cofounding Duolingo.
• The color television was invented in 1940 by Mexican engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena
• The contraceptive pill was created by 26-year-old Mexican doctoral student Luis Miramontes
• Argentine Surgeon Domingo Santo Liotta created the first artificial heart successfully implanted
• The cardiovascular stent was invented in 1884 by Argentine Vascular Radiologist Julio Palmaz

Beyond technological advances, Latin American culture is deeply woven into our state’s language, music, art, and cuisine. The upcoming month-long celebration is a great opportunity to experience this. Try a new restaurant, take in a concert, visit a local art exhibit, or take part in one of the many celebrations throughout the state.