By: Carlos J. Queirós | From: AARP
It seems almost mandatory to start any article about Hispanic Heritage Month by defining “Hispanics” or “Latinos.” Or should we use the more inclusive terms “Latinx” or “Latine”? These lively (and necessary) debates around identity will surely continue beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. Any way you look at it, Hispanics — as the Census Bureau defines the term — are the largest minority group in the U.S. According to recently released 2023 population estimates, there are 65 million Hispanics in the U.S., accounting for approximately 19.5 percent of the population. According to the census data, there are about 10.6 million Hispanics 55 and older.
“One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about the Latino community in the United States is that we are all one and the same culture,” says David Coronado, assistant director of communications at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. “The reality is that we all have very different backgrounds and traditions, and it’s those things that make us very unique and special, even though we do have lots of similarities as well, especially in our foodways.”
Census statistics from 2022 bear out Coronado’s assertion. The largest group, at 37.4 million people, is of Mexican origin, representing nearly 60 percent of the Hispanic population. Puerto Ricans follow at 5.9 million people, but this figure doesn’t include the approximately 3.2 million living on the island. Six other Hispanic origin groups have populations of 1 million or more: Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians and Hondurans.
How did the monthlong observance meant to celebrate these rich and varied cultures come to be?
Hispanic Heritage Month — running from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 — grew from a weeklong observance under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Twenty years later, in 1988, it was expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan. The start date of Sept. 15 coincides with the independence celebrations of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence Sept. 16, followed by Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21. There are countless ways to celebrate the month throughout the United States — several are listed below — that also present the opportunity to learn more about Latino culture and history.
“It’s important to learn Latino history because it’s a fundamental part of the American story,” Coronado says. “It helps us tell a more accurate and complete story of the United States. Latino contributions have heavily influenced who we are today as a nation.”
Each state has a unique story to tell about Latinos from early roots through the present day, encompassing architectural landmarks, culinary traditions and influential figures. Below we spotlight a bit of that history in the four states that have the largest Hispanic populations.
2. Texas
The census confirmed that Hispanics are Texas’ largest demographic group, at more than 12 million residents. Spanish explorers first arrived in Texas in the early 16th century, though the settlement of what became San Antonio didn’t occur until the early 18th century. Of course, we can’t forget the Alamo, which was established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718 by Spanish missionaries. With its stone, mud and wooden walls and arched doorways, the Alamo is an iconic example of Spanish Colonial architecture and a landmark synonymous with Texas heritage. The list of notable Texan Hispanics is long. Selena, the “Queen of Tejano Music” was born in Lake Jackson and is remembered for bringing that music to a wider mainstream audience. Jennifer Lopez, 55, who played Selena in the 1997 biopic, and Selena Gomez, who was named after her, drew inspiration from how the Texan singer embraced both American and Latin culture. José Angel Gutiérrez, 79, of Crystal City, cofounded the Raza Unida Party, a major political group for Mexican American civil rights in the 1970s. Corpus Christi-born Eva Longoria, 49, known by many from her role on Desperate Housewives, has also become a strong voice in the fight for Latino representation.
Texas Hispanic Heritage Month events
San Antonio: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15
San Antonio has a different event for just about every day of Hispanic Heritage Month. From an Alamo book talk Sept. 28 to a mariachi festival Oct. 12. The Visit San Antonio website has more details.
Dallas: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15
There’s a wealth of activities and events to celebrate the month in Dallas, from a Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art to a Latin Dance Festival and live cooking demonstrations. Learn more about various ways to celebrate during the month.
Houston: Sept. 17 to 24 from 9 to 10 a.m. (East End Esplanade)
Join AARP in celebrating Hispanic culture with walks through Houston’s historic neighborhoods. Each walk features a special guest speaker who will spotlight the contributions of Hispanic artists to the community. Visit AARP in Houston to register.