Every year, starting September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the history, contributions, and cultures of all Latinos.

At first, Hispanic Heritage Month was only celebrated for a week. Congress first started this celebration in 1965. Finally, in 1988, it was expanded to a month.

To start the month off, Latinos celebrate Independence Day in many Hispanic countries. For example, Mexico celebrates it on September 16. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence during this time period. These celebrations are very important and a big part of the culture.

Another important date in this month is October 12, which celebrates Día de la Raza. On this day, Latinos commemorate the first contact between Europeans. Throughout the month, we also celebrate many influential Latinos. Some noteworthy Latinos are: Sonia Sotomayor, Cesar Chavez, Rita Moreno, Alexandria Ocasio – Cortez, and so many more. Hispanic Heritage Month highlights powerful and respectable people that also inspire Latinos.

At Cathedral Catholic, Hispanic Heritage Month is so important. So far, many clubs such as the Hispanic/Latino Student Union and the Hispanic Honors Society have put in great effort to celebrate this important month. Around campus, we see many fliers showing awareness of this celebration. Also, the Hispanic/Latino Student Union highlights important Latino figures by sharing their story at the daily prayer. The clubs at Cathedral are doing amazing at exhibiting such a major celebration.

In addition, this year, Cathedral Catholic is hosting the first annual “Kermés” on October 15th, 2022 from 12-3 p.m.. This will be a celebration of the Hispanic/Latino heritage. There is going to be live performance from a mariachi band, ballet folklorico and Peruvian dancers. The proceeds from this event will benefit the “Dons Familia Scholarship” which is awarded to two Cathedral students.

Not only does Hispanic Heritage Month celebrate the culture and contributions of Latinos, it also is important to inspire many Latinos to change the status quo.