National Hispanic Heritage Month. Established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson. Later in 1988 President Ronald Reagan and Congress expanded the holiday from one day to a 30 day period. Every year from September 15 to October 15, we observe and pay tribute to our Hispanic roots celebrating our History, Culture and all the contributions made by of our ancestors that came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins with September 15 because it is the anniversary of independence for most Latin American and Central American countries. September 16th and 18th are celebrated in Mexico and Chile for their independence day. During these 30 days we also celebrate Columbus Day, also known as “Race Day”. Race Day honors the mixture of cultures, the Indigenous and European heritage in Mexico.
MESTIZO
The mestizo, the mixture of the people. Mexico was first ruled by the Maya, Olmecs, Aztecs and many others. Then came Spain, Portugal, France and intervention by the United States on several occasions. Mexico is all the better for it as a melting pot of fantastically talented different cultures. The same is true here in the U.S., Immigrants do make it better. And for the record, Hispanic households contribute $139 billion in federal taxes annually plus $76 billion in state and local taxes for a total of $215 billion in taxes over all each year. I looked it up.
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Contributions made by Hispanic artists in the Art of Music, Painting, Sculpture, in the Film Industry. The list is endless. Those that have served in the military, many of them paying the ultimate price. They have made an impact in the food we eat, music we listen to, and sports we participate in. Beauty products, fashion, and politics just to mention a few.
Artists from the 17th century like Spanish painter Diego Vela, 19th century Impressionist painters to Jean-Michel’s graffiti in art galleries. These have set trends instead of following the traditional. Then there’s Diego Rivera and Jose Orozco, muralists. Their work has influenced in making the public aware of their own cultural heritage.
Salvador Dali, sculptor, filmmaker, photographer, illustrator, and Pablo Picasso, changed the face of modern art. and Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero better known for his unique signature style. Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with her deeply personal and symbolic work, most famous artist of the 20th century. These few just barely scratch the surface of all the artists, musicians, film stars like Selma Hayek and Jennifer Lopez, wow. Did you see her at the Academy Awards.
So now you know. If there were any doubts at any time about what Hispanics can do or have contributed.
Response Magic