September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. This month celebrates the culture, contributions and legacies of Hispanic Americans. Learn about how this became a month long celebration, find recipes to make throughout the month {including my favorite Costa Rican meal}, crafts to make, books to read with your kids, and movies to watch. We are also rounding up some of our favorite Hispanic restaurants, shops and businesses.
If you have a local business or recommendation to add to our guide please contact nataliac@macaronikid.com
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Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week long observance in 1968 following a push to recognize the contributions of Latinos throughout the civil rights movement. Twenty years later it was expanded to a month long observance which is how we continue to celebrate it. Who is considered a Latino or Hispanic American? Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Spanish speaking areas of the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
It seems strange that the month begins mid September but the date is actually significant in Latin America. September 15 marks the Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; Central American countries that declared their independence from Spain in 1821. Mexico celebrates it's independence day on September 16 having declared it's independence in 1810. Chile also liberated from Spain in September 1810 and Belize declared independence from Great Britain in September 1981.
Learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month here.
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A good celebration always includes food! Here are some of our favorite recipes.
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I find one of the best ways to learn is through watching a movie or show. I love documentaries and historical fiction. They give an opportunity to experience someone else's story and open up amazing conversations with our kids. Here are some of our favorites:
Coco (G)
This Disney/Pixar movie joins Miguel on a journey to follow his dream of becoming a musician. It leads him to learning about his family in a vibrant adventure full of memorable songs on the night of Dia de los Muertos.
The Book of Life (PG)
From producer Guillermo del Toro this movie tells the story of Manolo who must choose between his family's legacy and love. Follow along as he faces his greatest fears through three fantastical worlds.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (PG)
Dora, now a teenage explorer, adjusts to life in the city and leads her new friends to solve the mystery that leads them to a lost city of gold.
Selena (PG)
The true story of Selena Quintanilla, the Texas born Tejano singer who topped the Latin music charts with songs in both English and Spanish.
Spare Parts (PG-13)
Four Hispanic high school students form a robotics club. With no experience, $800, used car parts and a dream, this unlikely team goes up against the country's reigning robotics champion, MIT.
Cesar Chavez (PG-13)
Learn about Cesar Chavez, the civil rights leader and labor organizer, as he leads the movement to secure a living wage for farm workers and inspires millions of Americans to fight for social justice.
Stand & Deliver (PG)
The true story of Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher, who inspires his dropout bound students to learn calculus.
Gentefied (Netflix)
The Morales primos love their culture, community, and family. But what happens when you have to choose between them?
George Lopez (YouTube or OnDemand)
George Lopez navigates life as a father, husband, son and plant manager at an L.A. airplane parts factory.
I Love Lucy (YouTube or OnDemand)
Lucy Ricardo is a housewife married to band leader Ricky Ricardo. Along with their best friends Fred and Ethel Mertz, the couples get into hilarious predicaments.
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Books are another fantastic way to share and learn about heritage. From board books to picture books and juvenile reads here are some of our picks. Find these at your favorite bookstore or check them out virtually or in person at the library.
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Lil' Libros is our favorite board book series. Each book features Spanish and English text. | These little board books feature learning activities like counting along with telling the stories of famous Latinos. |
| Carlitos lives happily with his mother, abuela and cat Coco but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay. | Lola was just a baby when her family left the island. When she has to draw it for a school assignment she asks her family about their memories leading her to understand her own heritage. |
| Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela hears the story of how she was named and learns about her grandparents. | Mia's abuela comes to live with Mia and her family, she helps her learn English while Mia learns Spanish. |
