Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Of all months where we honor different groups of people, Hispanic Heritage Month is one of the ones nearest and dearest to my heart. I’ve mentioned it before, but in case you didn't know I am Cuban American. Both of my parents were born in Cuba and fleed to the United States in 1959 & 1969 as political refugees.
It’s something that has not only shaped their identities, but mine as well. To be a first generation American is something I do not take lightly. Spanish was my first language and it is spoken daily in my house. We eat Cuban foods, we have Cuban traditions. It’s a piece of my life that I don’t know how I could live without at this point! And even though I do not appear to some as Hispanic due to my fair complexion, the Hispanic community around the world comes in all shades of rainbow and it’s a very important talking point during this month!
So to honor those of us with a Hispanic background, whether its you or a friend you know from a Spanish speaking country, here are some tips for how to celebrate this month!
TIP #1 - Try a New Recipe
If you’re a fan of Cuban food, here a list of of some Cuban STAPLES. I'm talking holy grail food.
Ropa Vieja - Translation: “Old Clothes” which is a funny name for a dish but it’s a Cuban delicacy.
Picadillo - This dish is made WEEKLY in my house. Even as a vegetarian, I try to recreate this meal using beyond meat because it is such a staple!
Croquetas - Think of this as a mozzarella stick but instead of cheese inside, there is a ham spread. I grew up eating these all the time as a kid!
Lechon - Or in other words, roasted pig. This is what Cuban’s typically eat for special occasions. In my family we have this every year on Noche Buena or Christmas Eve.
Flan - Of all the dishes on this list, this is probably the most recognizable. It a yummy Cuban dessert that takes expert skill to get right! (Mostly because there is some flipping involved)
Tres Leches - Translation: “Three Milks”. This one is a favorite in my house! Beware, it is super sweet!
TIP #2 - WATCH A MOVIE ABOUT HISPANIC CULTURE
Selena - A Mexican QUEEN! She is really such an important person not just in Mexican culture, but also pop culture as well!
Coco - Though this is a kid’s movie, I think it does a great job in explaining the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead holiday. It has a beautiful story that describes the importance of the family in not just Mexican culture, but Hispanic culture in general.
Roma - This movie has subtitles but if you can manage that, I really recommend watching it to get an immersive depiction on what its like to not only be Hispanic but also a person of Indigenous background.
Even the Rain - A film crew goes into Bolivia to shoot a film about Christoper Columbus, but their presence in the Indigenous town raises issues amongst the locals.
TIP #3 - BUY FROM HISPANIC OWNED SHOPS
Ser Paraíso - Multi media artist Diana Castro created this design brand to encourage others to tap into their healing, spirituality, and find their higher selves in the process. The Mexican native offers a collection of journals, prints, postcards, and calendars — all with the intention of positivity.
Booklandia - A monthly subscription box comprised of bilingual books and books in Spanish. Parents and teachers alike can pick from the different reading levels: daycare, preschool, elementary, middle school and high school.
Kids of Immigrants - Founded by first-generation Americans Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, the fashion pieces aim to help people connect to their roots and celebrate differences.
Eje 64 - Founded by three sisters during the coronavirus pandemic, eje64 celebrates Latinidad by integrating Latinx sayings into home décor.
TIP #4 - CHAT WITH SOMEONE IN THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY
This tip is probably the most important of any on the list. The most immersive way to learn about Hispanic culture is to hear lived experiences. If you are not Hispanic, sit down and ask important questions about what it means to someone to be part of this community? What struggles did their family face or what struggles are they themselves dealing with at this very moment? What is something that makes them proud to be part of this community? Is there something they wished people knew more regarding their culture or being Hispanic in general?
And even if you are a member of this community, sit down and have conversations within your own families or friend groups that provoke the same types of discussions. We can never stop learning about our own culture or those cultures around us. Latin America is a very big place and no country is the same as another. Hispanics will know that even in the language of Spanish, there are many discrepancies between words! It’s extremely interesting.
No matter what you choose to do, the most important thing is to acknowledge it! Hispanic culture is all around us and you have more Hispanic friends than you are probably even aware of! They will appreciate it, and who knows you could learn something interesting along the way.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!