“Hispanic Heritage Month is taken a little more seriously in my family than in most because we take a lot of pride in where we come from. It reminds me of my relatives, our traditions, and the moments we shared together. Celebrating it feels like honoring my culture and also the people who shaped it,” stated Idaly Rosales. For Rosales, it’s the personal significance that gives this month its true importance.
Introduced in 1968 as a week of recognition, National Hispanic Heritage Month has since been celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th, dedicated to honoring the culture, history, and contributions of those with a Hispanic background. The word “Hispanic” is used to refer to all Spanish-speaking countries, representing a mix of cultures rather than a single nation. This celebration is essential to the student body of Rangeview, where nearly half of the students identify with a Hispanic background.
Across the country, communities celebrate this month with many events to show the traditions of Latin American countries such as Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Venezuela.
Rosales mentioned that her favorite part of her heritage is “the environment, the music, the traditions”.
These celebrations often include a lot of traditional food, live mariachi performances, and folklórico dancing. While these are cultural expressions, it’s also important to consider how identity itself is defined within these communities. Terms like ‘Hispanic’, ‘Latino or ‘Latinx’ are all used in different ways to convey the meaning it has for different people.
For Rangeview High School Junior, Idaly Rosales, these connections represent living closely to her heritage and identity.
“I would say that I am very connected to my Hispanic culture, and I often take vacations to Mexico and like to spend time with my family, which has allowed me to better understand where I came from. My family is deeply rooted in our culture.”
Looking at other perspectives, Spanish Literature teacher, Ms. Mejia states, “the way we celebrate is by sharing and teaching more about our roots.”
Ms. Mejia, coming from a Honduran background, adds, “My favorite thing about our culture is that we’re very friendly and always there for each other.”
As Rangeview celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in the days to come, it’s a reminder of how diverse the backgrounds of students are and how they shape our school community into what it is today.
