SEPTEMBER
CELEBRATIONS
HISPANIC HERITAGE
MONTH
Each year, Americans observe National
Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th
to October 15th, by celebrating the histories,
cultures, and contributions of American
citizens whose ancestors came from Spain,
Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South
America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic
Heritage Week under President Lyndon
Johnson and was expanded by President
Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day
period starting on September 15th and ending
on October 15th. It was enacted into law on
August 17, 1988 under the approval of Public
Law 100-402.
September 15 - October 15 2021
"To be Hispanic is
to be part of an
international family
full of culture and
diversity. Hispanic
Heritage month is
the opportunity to
celebrate our roots,
who we are, and what
we bring to the world; to be proud of our food,
culture, music, traditions, and values."
AUDREY DOMINGUEZ
SALES ASSOCIATE - MICHAEL KORS
EDMONTON, CANADA
"Hispanic
Heritage month
is a celebration
of the influence
and contributions
they have given to
American history.
It is celebrated
between September
and October because it is the anniversaries of
independence of multiple Hispanic countries like
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
and Nicaragua who celebrate on Sept 15th
while Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate on
September 16th, 18th and the 21st, respectively.
The celebration was established as a week to
honor Hispanic Americans back in 1968 and
was extended to a month of celebrations in
1988. This year the celebration in Calgary is a
bit different than previous years because of
the pandemic. There will be a virtual gathering
with speakers, panel discussions, and a virtual
dance lesson. At home we always get together
with our friends from different countries to
celebrate their independence. It is always filled
with delicious food, big families, storytelling
from the grandparents, and dancing lessons
to the younger members of the community.
This month means a lot to me as an immigrant
who came into this country by herself at a very
young age and was not able to experience a
lot more of her own culture as an adult. It feels
empowering to know that North American
countries do appreciate us and see our values
and want to celebrate our accomplishments
with us."
VIVIANA SOTO
ASSISTANT MANAGER - MICHAEL KORS
CROSSIRON MILLS, CANADA
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