Hispanic Heritage Month: What it is and how to join in

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. It started in the United States to honour the histories, cultures and contributions of people from Spanish-speaking countries. Why those dates? Several Latin American countries celebrate independence days around September 15, so the month brackets key national celebrations and gives room to showcase many traditions.

This month covers a huge range of cultures: Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Spain and Afro-Latin communities. That mix means music, food, language and stories you might not know yet. You don’t need a formal event to learn — small steps matter.

Easy, practical ways to celebrate

Want something quick and useful? Try one or two of these: pick a Latin American book or film to watch this week; cook a simple recipe like tacos, empanadas or a plantain dish; play a playlist that mixes salsa, merengue, cumbia and modern Latin pop. If you’re in a city, check embassies or cultural centres for readings, exhibitions or concerts.

For groups and schools, keep it hands-on: invite a speaker, host a short dance workshop, or run a storytelling session focused on Afro-Latin voices. Libraries can make a small display of authors like Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Junot Díaz and Afro-Latin poets and musicians. That gives readers real names to explore.

Why it matters for readers in Africa

There are real links between Africa and Hispanic cultures. The Atlantic slave trade shaped music, food and religion across Latin America. Afro-Latin communities keep strong African roots in language, rhythm and spiritual practice. If you’re curious about shared history, look into Afro-Latin music like rumba, son and Cuban timba — you’ll hear clear African beats and call-and-response patterns.

Business and migration ties matter too. Many African countries trade with Latin America, and new cultural exchanges are growing through students, artists and entrepreneurs. Understanding Hispanic Heritage Month can help build partnerships, spark creative collaborations and broaden what local audiences see in global culture.

Want to go deeper? Find online talks from Latin American universities, follow Afro-Latin creators on social media, or sign up for a basic Spanish course to make connections easier. Supporting artists and small businesses from Latin America is another direct way to engage.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to listen, try something new, and draw links across continents. You don’t need a big budget — curiosity and a willingness to try a new song, book or recipe are enough to start. What will you explore first?