The United States is a multicultural country. But one ethnic group stands out as the largest — and it deserves special recognition.
That group is the Latino community.
Latinos make up about 18% of the U.S. population and have made an enormous contribution to the nation’s development.
In honor of this, the United States celebrates not just a single holiday but an entire month dedicated to Latino culture. From September 15 to October 15, the country observes National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Latino culture in the U.S.
Many American states were originally colonized by Spain and only later became part of the United States.
It was Latinos who settled and developed these regions, and it is there that Latino culture became deeply rooted.
Today, the U.S. is home to a huge Latino population, with more newcomers arriving every year.
Their culture and cuisine have become a part of everyday American life.
Tacos and other Latin dishes are available on every corner, and Latino festivals are celebrated on a grand scale.
Traditions of National Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson first established it as a weeklong celebration. In 1988, it was expanded to a month. The starting date is not random. On the morning of September 16, 1810, Mexico’s War of Independence began.
Several Spanish-speaking countries also celebrate their independence during this same period:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
This month is also a time to honor Latino veterans, who make up about 14% of the U.S. military and have played a crucial role in the country’s defense. Every year, states host festivals and cultural events. For example, the Bronx Latin Jazz Festival or the Latin Family Festival at Springdale Park in Massachusetts. Schools and universities hold lectures and classes highlighting Latino history and contributions to the United States.
But this is not just abstract recognition. There are concrete names of Latino figures who have had a major impact:
- Antonio Delgado, the first Latino elected to Congress from upstate New York
- Biochemist Severo Ochoa, Nobel Prize laureate in Medicine, and his daughter, astronaut Ellen Ochoa
- Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez
And these are just a few among thousands:
- Scientists
- Doctors
- Judges
- Business leaders
- Artists
Right now, Latinos are shaping the future of the United States. Latino culture continues to define modern America. This month is not only about respect—it reminds us that the richness of any nation lies in its diversity.
That is why understanding other cultures, through both language and history, matters so much.
