In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been celebrating in America. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans in the United States. National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time of sharing, exploring, learning, telling, and commemorating the rich Hispanic heritage that has been woven into the national fabric throughout the past centuries. September and October are appropriate months for the observation because of the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza falls on Oct. 12.
Ever since 1968 with the adoption of Hispanic Heritage Week and its expansion into a 30-day period in 1988, America has been honoring the culture of its neighbors to the south and the lasting impact of their contributions in our own culture in the US.
National Hispanic Heritage Month will be drawing to a close next week, but there’s still plenty to learn and do to celebrate the culture of Hispanic and Latin Americans, particularly in Chicago. Here are some opportunities to participate:
UIC is hosting a number of events for students and community members alike. On Oct. 13, a brown bag presentation (“Jaliscienses in Chicago: Cultural Resources Shaping Gender Relations in a Migrant Community”) will explore the way certain factors contribute to the reorganization of gender relations among international migrants. Noche de Poetas (Poetry Night) will be held Oct. 14. On Oct. 15, a community forum is scheduled to provide information on the procedures to participate in Mexican elections via absentee ballots. And on Oct. 21, La Peña presents a night of live Latino music highlighting the country of Peru. Check out the calendar here.
The Chicago Public Library is celebrating Diversity in 2012 with its annual observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year the library is focusing on music and is offering a variety of programs highlighting and honoring the musical culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Click here for the list of events.
Several library branches are exhibiting the works of local artists. A list of exhibits can be found here.
Online resources also provide great tools for learning more about Latino culture. The Smithsonian offers a virtual heritage tour while the Library of Congress hosts a website dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month that provides images, audio/video, and exhibits & collections.
