National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023| Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 (Spanish: Más Nacional de la Herrencia Hispanic) is celebrated annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15.

Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience has a wide impact on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

The U.S. Branch of State commends the presence of Hispanic and Latin American staff who support political endeavors all over the planet.

In partnership with the Hispanic Employees Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies (HECFAA), the Department highlights the biographies of Hispanic employees who are making a difference in their regions and the world.

From ambassadors to Foreign Service officers to technical experts, Hispanic employees of the State Department are using their skills and experience to promote American interests and values around the world.

To learn more about the inspiring stories of Hispanic employees at the State Department, visit the HECFAA YouTube channel. You can watch videos of staffers discussing their experiences working for the department and their commitment to diplomacy.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let us celebrate the diversity and talent of Hispanic employees at the State Department. Their contributions are essential to our mission of promoting peace, prosperity and democracy around the world.

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National Hispanic Heritage Month-Celebration Begins

Fairfax Fiesta

Join the inaugural Fairfax Fiesta, a celebration of Hispanic heritage, at PARC in Tysons on September 23 from noon to 5pm

  • Live music and dancing at Fairfax Fiesta.
  • Authentic food and drinks: Sample mouth watering dishes from all over Latin America.
  • Arts and crafts: Shop from local vendors  selling their handmade goods.
  • Kids  activities: There will be plenty of fun for the whole family. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month | Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience: Cultural Event

The Reston Community Center will organize the Reston Multicultural Festival on Saturday, September 23rd from 11am to 6pm.

This exciting event will feature more than 20 artists across three stages, including Furia Flamenca, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company and Mystic Warriors.

More than 30 arts and crafts vendors from around the world will also sell items.

Foreign Language Film Series at McLean Community Center

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a cinematic gem

The Alden at McLean Community Center is proud to present a special screening of Pedro Almodovar’s acclaimed film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

This dark comedy is a wild journey into the lives of eccentric characters and unexpected turns. Two performances are scheduled on Thursday, October 5 at 1 pm and Wednesday, October 11 at 6:30 pm.

About the film: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a 1988 Spanish black comedy film written and directed by Pedro Almodovar.

 It stars Carmen Moura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano, Rossy De Palma, Kitty Maneuver, Maria Barranco, Guillermo Montesinos and Fernando Guillén.

The film tells the story of Pepa Marcos (Moura), a woman from Madrid who is abandoned by her lover Iván (Banderas) on the very day she was expecting him to come to reconcile.

Pepa’s life begins to unravel as she attempts to contact Ivan and learns that he is engaged to another woman. 

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown received critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming the highest-grossing Spanish film of the year.

 It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film was  one of  the Almodovar’s most iconic works and is a staple of Spanish cinema. 

It is praised for its unique style, sharp humor and strong female characters.

Library Programs: Informing, Enriching, Empowering

Fairfax County Libraries invite you to “Celebrate Local Latinx Leaders” on October 10. This engaging event includes a panel discussion with Hispanic/Latinx leaders who have made significant contributions to the community.

Additionally, get hands-on and creative in the library with these workshops that are perfect for school-age children who want to explore Hispanic culture through art:

  • Make Tissue Paper Flowers for Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday, September 21 at 4 p.m.
  • Paint an Amazing Alebridge for Hispanic Heritage Month, Thursday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.

National Hispanic Heritage Month,Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience History 

This month, which is the National Hispanic Heritage Month, is a time to come together to celebrate the rich culture, history and resiliency of the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

 It’s for all of us to reflect on the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the country in every field from science and technology to the arts and humanities.

It  begins on September 15, the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. It will end on October 15, which is the independence anniversary of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

During this month, Americans of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the vibrant Hispanic and Latino culture. Parades and festivals, live concerts and other events are held throughout the country.

 Despite their many contributions, Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in leadership positions and experience discrimination.

National Hispanic Heritage Month | Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience
National Hispanic Heritage Month

Military commemorations

Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. Military: A Celebration of Courage and Patriotism

This is a time to remember the brave and dedicated Hispanic Americans who have served in the U.S. military. 

From the Nationwide conflict to the current day, Hispanic Americans have set out to make a genuine difference and made essential commitments to the guard of our country.

61 Hispanic Americans have been granted the honorable award, the most noteworthy military enhancement for heroism in real life. 

These legends put their lives in extreme danger to safeguard our opportunity and our lifestyle.Today, Hispanic Americans comprise over 13% of the US Armed force and over 10% of the US Naval force. 

These people present with unique excellence in each part of the military, and they are a fundamental piece of our public guard.

During Hispanic Legacy Month, the U.S. Military commends the boldness, positive energy and penance of Hispanic Americans in uniform. 

We honor his heritage and reaffirm our obligation to variety and consideration in our positions.

National Hispanic Heritage Month | Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience
Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience

Here are some exciting ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. Military:

  • Learn about the stories of Hispanic American Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Visit a local military museum or cultural center to know  more about the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the military.
  • Participate in a Hispanic Heritage Month event hosted by your local military base or community.
  • Support Hispanic-owned businesses that support veterans and their families.
  • Volunteer your time for a Hispanic American veterans organization.

Annual events

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with festivals and events

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich culture and history of the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

Here are some popular Hispanic Heritage Month events:

  • Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival: This annual event is held in Fayetteville, Arkansas and features live music, dancing, food, and vendors.
  • El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival: This festival happens in The Bronx, New York City, and features Latin jazz musicians from all over the world.
  • Smithsonian Hispanic Heritage Month Events: The Smithsonian Institution hosts a variety of events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, including Zoo Fest and Jaguar Field.
  • Hispanic Family Fest: This festival happens  every year in Springdale, Arkansas and features live music, dancing, food, and activities for all ages.
  • Official Latino Short Film Festival: This festival showcases short films from Latino filmmakers from all over the world.
  • Hispanic Star Virtual Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off: This event features Hispanic artists, civic leaders and corporate leaders discussing Hispanic heritage and pride.

FAQs

National Hispanic Heritage Month,Hispanic Culture, History, and Resilience,What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Why is September 15th Hispanic Heritage Month?

The annual celebration was to be held the week that included Sept. 15-16.The weeklong commemoration was expanded to a month two decades later, with legislation signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point, to coincide with the anniversary of the “Cry of Dolores,” or “Grito de .

Why is Hispanic heritage important?

Hispanics or Latinos have contributed to American life since the American Revolution, fighting in every war since then.

Latinos today continue to advance communities across the country as small business owners, veterans, teachers, and public servants, among many other professions.

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