El Pasoans Can Celebrate Hispanic Month In September And October

The timing of this particular look at the history of Hispanic Americans straddles 2 months.

I'm not sure why they split National Hispanic Heritage Month into 2 halves but they did. It's as though the celebration has a "wall" of its own ... half celebrate here, the other half celebrate there. Weird.

Anyway, National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th thru October 15th.

The month is meant to honor and/or remember the contributions to American society and history made by those with roots in Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. - hispanicheritagemonth.gov

The weird time span actually does have a legit reason for being as it is. Bridging the months of September and October allows several key days ... namely, Indepence day celebrations ... in hispanic history to fall within the designated time frame.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua - September 15th.
Mexico - September 16th
Chile - September 18th
Belize - September 21st

That date range also covers Columbus Day, otherwise known as Día de la Raza, which falls on October 12th.

I'm used to seeing parties and other celebrations on September 16th around here but honestly had no idea an entire month was devoted to Hispanic heritage. In '21, El Paso was featured in an ABC news special on hispanic heritage titled "Corazon de America".

UTEP has also held special events celebrating the hispanic culture in the past and the El Paso Museum of History has an exhibit on the Chicano Civil Rights Movement going until January 23rd, 2023.

I'm sure other things will be announced throughout the month here in El Paso and throughout the state of Texas so, keep your eyes open. .

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