Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). The National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) shares the importance of celebrating this month.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements,” said NMAL. “Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together.”
The first official recognition of Hispanic Heritage came in 1987 with Proclamation 5701 by Ronald Reagan and helped commemorate the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their Independence Days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.
“America’s Hispanic heritage is an indelible and invaluable part of our history and a vital part of the creative forces that are shaping our future,” said Reagan.
In honor of HHM, El Paso shares its rich traditions with events throughout the month.
Hispanic Heritage Month Art Gallery
UTEP Student Engagement and Leadership Center will have an art exhibit featuring Hispanic and Latin El Paso community artists to honor HHM.
The exhibit is at 500 West University Ave. in the Union East building, Union Gallery. It will be open until Sept. 25, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
¡CELEBRACIÓN! Opera UTEP’s annual Hispanic Heritage Concert
The UTEP Department of Music will host their annual concert in celebration of Hispanic composers. The concert will feature UTEP’s Opera workshop class and Dr. Esequiel Meza. They will also be joined by the UTEP Percussion and UTEP professors Dr. Den Kay Jones and Dr. María Fernanda Guglielmina.
The concert will take place Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W University Ave. M301.
Hispanic Heritage Walk and Yoga
The Paso del Norte Trail, AARP El Paso, and Live Active El Paso are partnering to HHM and encourage El Pasoans to stay active.
The two-mile walk will take place Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Playa Drain Trail followed by a yoga session at Hidden Valley Park, 200 Coconut Tre Ln. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mats.
AARP Texas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2024!
AARP Texas will host virtual events to celebrate HHM from Sept. 17 to Oct. 28. There will be different secessions that will focus on learning more about Latin American countries, traditional foods, and crafts. Starting Oct. 10, the secessions will focus on Día de los Muertos and its importance to Hispanic culture.
Those interested in more information or registering for a secession can visit local.aarp.org/el-paso-tx/.
With the Hispanic and Latino population comprising 81.6% of El Paso’s total residents according to Data USA, the city is the perfect place to share and celebrate Hispanic and Latin culture.
Ximena Cordero is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected]
