Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

9/12/2025

Beatriz Mueller

Hispanic Heritage Month or Mes de la herencia hispana begins on Monday, September 15 and continues through October 15. This timeframe was chosen because several Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—celebrate their independence on September 15, followed closely by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on the 18th! We celebrate the extensive and rich culture, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities—an essential part of our nation’s past, present, and future to our story as a nation. Hispanic Heritage Month was officially enacted into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988. “It was expanded into October to recognize Día de la Raza, or “Day of the Race,” which celebrates the countries and people colonized by Spain and other European colonialists.” -Seramonte.com

The 2025 theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” This theme highlights our diverse and shared history while recognizing those who continue to drive progress and foster unity within our communities. From science and technology to law, business, academia, the arts, the military, and politics, Hispanics have played a vital role in shaping this country since its very beginnings. Today, with nearly 23% of the U.S. population, Hispanics represent the nation’s largest minority group—a vibrant, multiracial community woven into the fabric of America.

Did you know? “Seven years before 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling integrated America’s schools, a young California girl’s family fought for her to attend an “all-White” school. Sylvia Mendez was a small girl when she tried to register to attend school in Westminster, California. The school’s superintendent testified that those of Mexican descent were “intellectually, culturally, and morally inferior to European Americans.” Sylvia Mendez’ parents, Gonzalo and Felicitas, would have none of it. They united with other local Chicano families and hired a lawyer. They won their case, and in 1946, California schools became integrated by law.” -Sara Alvarez Kleinsmith, Reader’s Digest

Interesting fact #1: The artificial heart, color tv, and eBooks have all been invented by Hispanics!

Interesting fact #2: “The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. Legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020.” Smithsonian Institute

Interesting Fact #3: Nearly 10% of Spanish vocabulary has Arabic origins! Words like alberca (pool), aceite (oil), and limón (lemon) come from Arabic, reflecting the period between 711 and 1492 when much of Spain was ruled by Berbers and Arabs. During this time, Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted in relative peace. The Arabic influence remains visible in the Spanish language, architecture, cuisine, and culture today.

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.” — Carlos Santana

Human rights activist Adriana Castillo stated that, “The greatness of America can be measured by the collective contributions of its citizens, past and present. Our future depends on upholding and sharing our culture, history, knowledge, and community. As Hispanics, pride in our ancestors sharpens our focus on the possibilities ahead and strengthens our capacity to embrace the future. This is our infinite cycle.”

Notable Hispanic and Latino Americans include:

Luis Walter Alvarez: Experimental Physicist, Inventor, and Nobel Laureate

David G. Farragut: Civil War Admiral

Dolores Huerta: Labor Leader, Political and Social Activist

Gabriel García Márquez: Legendary author who wrote novels and tales of magic realism

Rita Moreno: Actress, dancer, & singer; EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, & Tony).

Guillermo del Toro: Director, producer, and screenwriter

Isabel Allende: Journalist & novelist; one of Latin America's most successful authors.

Maria Hinojosa: Journalist, anchor & executive producer: public radio show Latino USA.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: Artist, poet

Gabriela Mistral: Poet, educator, diplomat

Linda Ronstadt: Singer

Antonia Novello: First Hispanic and first woman to serve as United States surgeon general.

Baruj Benacerraf: Immunologist, who shared the 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine.

Lionel Messi: Legendary soccer player

Camila Cabello: Singer and songwriter

“We have to be visible. We are not ashamed of who we are.” – Sylvia Rivera

“Justice is about making sure that being polite is not the same thing as being quiet. In fact, often times, the most righteous thing you can do is shake the table.” – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Resources and Activities

Colorín Colorado - Hispanic Heritage Month: Grades K-12

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 with PBS

Hispanic Month

Latin American Network Information Center

Museum of Latin American Art: Online visit to the MOLAA.

National Park Service Hispanic Heritage Month

Latino Public Broadcasting Education Collection

Latino Civil Rights Timeline

Smithsonian Learning Labs - Hispanic Heritage

National Museum of the American Latino

Exploring Latino Diversity in the U.S.