Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, May 5, to honor the culture and traditions of the Mexican people. May 5 commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces of Napolean in 1861. Remarkably, a small contingent of Indigenous Mexicans and men of mixed ancestry faced French troops to protect Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east central Mexico. The town prepared and supported the troops, carrying out an assault known as the Battle of Puebla, which lasted from early morning to early evening, when the French retreated.

Cinco de Mayo is often incorrectly considered Mexican Independence Day, but September 16 marks this holiday. On September 16, 1810, priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla encouraged Mexicans to revolt against the colonial government of Spain. (Today this is often referred to as the Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores, named after the town of Dolores—now Dolores Hidalgo—where this statement was originally issued. According to the Library of Congress, Hidalgo is thought to have said, "My Children, a new dispensation comes to us today…Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen 300 years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once.”)

Independence was not won immediately. Mexico's War for Independence from Spain lasted for 11 years (ending in 1821), but September 16, 1810 - when the fight commenced with this historic battle cry - is the date universally commemorated as Mexico’s Independence Day. Festivities take place not only in major Mexican cities, but around the world.

The monthlong celebration of Hispanic Heritage Monday is still relatively new in the United States, first gaining momentum in the 1960s despite Hispanics having a long history of contributing to the country. From those who served in battle dating back to the Civil War to today’s icons of music, culture, science, and more.

Many may question why Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations are split between the months of September and October, unlike other heritage celebrations such as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and Black History Month in February. The answer lies in the history of Latin America: the Act of Independence of Central America declared the independence of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua from Spanish colonial rule, was signed September 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates September 16 as the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, a call to arms in 1810 that led to its independence from Spain.

Although there remain biases and barriers for many – including Latinx, Black, Asian, females, and more – to achieve high positions in the public and private sector, Forbes Magazine published an article on ways to be an ally to “Latines” in the workplace. And to learn more about Iowa’s Latinx population, read Latinos in Iowa: 2023 published by the State Data Center of Iowa.

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival marks a local celebration of the Latin culture, is planned for this weekend, September 21 and 22 at Western Gateway Park.