From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic families and Spanish classes across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as well as Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in early November. Hispanic Heritage Month, established thirty-five years ago, is a month-long celebration dedicated to recognizing the countless contributions Hispanic Americans have made to this country. During this time, there are endless festivities, celebrations, parades, concerts and many more events dedicated to the appreciation of Hispanic culture.
“I feel like you have to acknowledge differences. We’re not the same. We’re definitely not all the same, and I think by acknowledging differences and being curious about them and wanting to know more, dig a little deeper, that’s how we truly respect and appreciate another culture. It’s not by pretending we’re all the same, or acting like it’s not different. That’s how we appreciate things,” says Spanish teacher Mrs. Alascia.
Hispanic culture is very diverse, not only does this month celebrate people of Spanish descent, but it also celebrates people of Latin American and Mexican descent as well. Numerous contributions have been made by well-renowned Hispanic or Latino figures, such as César Chavez, Frida Kahlo, Ellen Ochoa and Andy Garcia. Many of these figures have contributed to the arts, activism and film. Recognizing these contributions is important in order to further appreciate and build upon this colorful history. To do this, communities often hold art exhibitions, parades, concerts and a variety of other festivals to represent all aspects of the culture.
“The energy, the spirit, just keeping the music alive and dancing. I like how to the core the people are to their culture and their heritage. I feel like it speaks to their culture even in 2019 they’re still honoring the crops and what made their country prosper,” says senior and Spanish Honor Society board member Daria Chatrchi.
Just as people of Hispanic descent continue to celebrate old traditions and contributions, they also celebrate the lives that their passed loved ones had during Day of the Dead. Instead of the traditional mourning period that most other cultures observe, Hispanic and Latino families revisit the past lives of their loved ones every year in this two-day celebration. November 1, the first day of celebration, is also known as the All Saints’ Day. During this twenty-four hour time period, deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families. Following this, on November 2, is All Souls’ Day. This day primarily focuses on the deceased adults, whose souls are also believed to visit. Altars are put up with the photographs, objects, candles and marigolds in order to welcome the dead and honor their memory.
Learning more about Day of the Dead and participating in Hispanic Heritage Month is not just for Hispanic and Latino families, but for everyone. Hispanic Heritage Month was established in order for everyone to be able to appreciate Hispanic culture and learn more about it. Many people with different backgrounds participate in numerous festivities and explore new traditions. Even in schools or Spanish classes, teachers take the time to help students discover different customs and staples of Hispanic culture.
“During the Day of the Dead celebration, there’s a festival in downtown Baltimore, and it’s really cool because they have crafts. I think they gear it towards little kids, but I don’t see why students in Spanish classes learning about it couldn’t get something out of it too. It’s just called Day of the Dead festival, and they hold it over two days. It’s really nice, you get to see the offerings and you get to see various aspects of the holiday and the symbolism of it all,” explains Mrs. Alascia.
Just as Mrs. Alascia mentioned, students and others have much to learn about Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Month and the Day of the Dead celebrations can be the perfect time to do this. As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, it is important that the community is able to recognize the various life-changing contributions that have been made by Hispanic culture.