Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on september 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate thier independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Dia de la Raza) is October 12.

The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin".

Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.

To celebrate the occasion, Family and MWR will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Observance. The observance will tak place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 beginning at 12pm at the Historic Hacienda. The observance will include a guest speaker, ambient music and food sampling for everyone to enjoy. For more information, please call the special events office at (831) 386-2988.