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Q.When is Hispanic Heritage Month? Is it September or October? I’m confused!

A. Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.

National Hispanic Heritage month was first proclaimed, on a national level, by President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1968 and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period. (Congress) National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture. It honors these five Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September. (National Hispanic Heritage Month).

The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

The theme encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. Ily Soares, Supervisory Accountant at Farm Credit Administration (FCA) submitted the winning theme, stating, “Hispanics in the United States are a diverse group who bring a rich combination of language, culture, educational backgrounds and experience to the great American experiment. This diverse background brings with it a wealth of ideas and perspectives. One uniting factor within our Hispanic community is our desire to be included and represented in all aspects of American society. As has been proven, when different voices are sitting at the metaphorical table and included in key decisions, the entire community benefits from greater solutions that address concerns from all people. Whether it be education, government, business or the environment, ensuring that all voices are represented provide results in better and more thoughtful decisions. These improved decisions support the greater good and minimize any negative impacts to marginalized communities and people of color. We call on citizens of this nation from all walks of life to look around and welcome new voices to the table. This will help us build stronger communities and in turn, a stronger nation.” (National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers) At the San Marcos Public Library, we will have a Dia de Los Muertos altar and a Dia de los Muertos Craft on Monday, Oct. 24, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 16 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. the San Marcos Explores at the Library will discover the story of Mexican-American resilience during segregation with a hands-on art activity. Parents are welcome.

For more history about Hispanics in San Marcos, check out these items from the library:

• “Sueños y Recuerdos del Pasado = Dreams and Memories of the Past: a Community History of Mexican Americans in San Marcos”

• “Hispanic Texas: A Historical Guide”

• “El Norte: the epic and forgotten story of Hispanic North America” by Carrie Gibson

• “The starting line: Latina/o children, Texas schools, and national debates on early education” by Robert Crosnoe

• “The Latino Holiday Book: from Cinco de Mayo to Dia de los Muertos — the Celebrations and Traditions of Hispanic Americans” by Valerie Menard

– Congress, T. L. of, Administration, N. A. and R., Humanities, N. E. for the, Art, N. G. of, Service, N. P., Institution, U. S. S., & Museum, U. S. H. M. (n.d.). “National Hispanic American Heritage month 2022. National Hispanic American Heritage Month.” Retrieved Sept. 19 from hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/

– The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers. (March 30). National Council of Hispanic employent program managers. “THE 2022 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH THEME ANNOUNCED” Retrieved Sept. 19 from nationalcouncilhepm.org/announcements

– “National Hispanic Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide: Introduction. Research Guides. (n.d.).” Retrieved Sept. 19, from guides.loc.gov/national-hispanic-heritage-month-legal-resources

Suzanne Sanders is the columnist for the library. She is the Community Services Manager for the San Marcos Public Library and came from the Austin Public Library in 2015 after having served there as a librarian for over 20 years. She gratefully accepts your questions for this column.