October is a month surrounded with festivities and celebrations for people of all ages. As children, many most often look forward to the 31st, where many indulge in a hunt for candy around their town; this is of course, halloween. When I was little, my friends and I used to seek out the houses that gave out the most rewardable treats. That would be king sized candy bars, bags of pretzels, and small toys. As everyone grows older, however, we all see that October holds a much stronger purpose than simply Halloween.
Hispanic Heritage Month is known for taking time in October, but it initially starts on September 15th and ends on October 15th. This celebratory tradition began over 40 years ago, and has been carried by the American people into the present. Hispanic Heritage Month is able to teach the traditions and culture of immigrants that migrated to the United States from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. These lessons are shared with everyone of any age, inviting others to learn the Hispanic culture that is so broadly spread in the United States.
Florida Atlantic University conducted an informative piece this month, describing that Americans can best celebrate the Hispanic culture within our country by donating to hispanic charities, eating their traditional foods, and honoring influential people and movements.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization that can receive donations if you’re interested in making a contribution. This foundation supports the education, workforce, and social impact of the Hispanic community. On the other hand, if you are interested in the unique cuisine, there is a long list of traditional meals to choose from to support this special time of the year. Pupusa is a meal that comes from El Salvador and Honduras; it is thick flatbread stuffed with fillings like meat, cheese, and beans. For a simple breakfast, you could also try a Spanish Omelette, which originates from Spain. This is easy to make, as you just mix up your favorite toppings with some eggs, then cook it on your stove top in a covered pan.
Food tells one part of the Hispanic Heritage Month story but so does Hispanic Amerians. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Puerto-Rican American, was elected into the United States House of Representatives in 2018, and has since then become a role model for people across the country. She was the youngest woman and youngest latina to ever serve in the House of Representatives. She grew up in the Bronx, NY and worked hard in school to achieve her goals. She fights for the people, assisting everyone in their right to education, citizenship, and work.
Another example of iconic Hispanic Americans is Lin Manuel Miranda, who is incredibly talented and is of Puerto-Rican descent. His true prowess shows in his musical capabilities; he is the creator of the well-known historical musical, Hamilton, which teaches people about the unknown story of one of the United States Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. He also writes songs and contributes for disney films, for example, Moana and Encanto. He, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, continues to inspire Hispanic Americans across the United States.
Through the month of October, we should celebrate at least once in any of the listed ways. Without Hispanic citizens, America would not be where it is today. Successful people come from all around the world, and should be honored.
Whether through donation, food, tradition, or education, we should always be open to learning about each other!
