To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I decided it would be fun to share the history of the month and my Hispanic heritage. I am so proud to be Hispanic and I am really grateful for this month we have to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx people. Let’s get into today’s celebration!

The History of Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic heritage month begins on September 15th and ends on October 15th. Hispanic heritage month was celebrated for only a week beginning in 1968 (under President Lyndon Johnson). It was expanded to stretch a 30 day period by President Ronald Regan in 1988. Hispanic heritage month is celebrated between September 15th and October 15th because Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hondorus, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile all celebrate their independence days within this time period. To learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the official website here.

What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latinx?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. According to BBC, Latinx refers to those who are descendents of Latin American countries with languages deriving from Latin. This is most of Central America and most of South America. Hispanic refers to descendents of Spanish speaking countries including Spain. Depending on what country you are descended from, you can be Hispanic, Latinx, or both. This short BBC video explains the difference between the two terms really well.

*If you are Hispanic and/or Latinx, I’d love to know which term you use and why!

My Heritage

I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my Hispanic heritage because I am not 100% Hispanic. My mom is Colombian and my dad is white (French Canadian descended) from Maine. I’m so proud of being half Colombian, but I often don’t feel “Hispanic enough” because I am mixed and far from being fluent in Spanish.

I always felt left out when kids spoke in Spanish in grade school because I couldn’t understand. As a kid, I thought I would magically be able to speak Spanish like it was some kind of superpower that I could manifest if I tried hard enough. Obviously, that’s not how learning languages works. I’ve taken many Spanish classes in high school and college, but I barely have a grasp on the basics. I’m so glad that I was able to visit Colombia and connect with my heritage.

Colombia

I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Colombia two years ago with my family and boyfriend after high school graduation. We traveled to Bogota where my Nana grew up and Cartagena which is a beautiful city along the coast. It was special to visit Bogota (where my Nana grew up) even though it looked different than when she was growing up in the 30’s and 40’s.

When my Nana would pick me up from school as a kid, she would tell me how much she missed Colombia. She told me about the lush green mountains and the misty clouds that clung to the mountain tops. I’m so grateful I was able to visit Bogota to see the mountains she adored and taste the rich fruity coffee that was grown there. I think about that trip a lot. I can’t wait to go back to the most beautiful country in the world.

Hispanic Heritage in the United States

I think other Hispanic people in the United States often feel they aren’t “Hispanic enough” like me. My Nana immigrated to this country in the 1950’s. Like many immigrants, she assimilated to American culture to fit in. One of the beautiful things about being Hispanic is that we are all very diverse. We are diverse in skin color, sexuality, whether we are Spanish-speaking, etc. 

Being Hispanic/Latinx is amazing! I’m so thankful to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Where are my Hispanic/Latinx folks at?!

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Abercrombie and Fitch Bodysuit ($39)

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