Hispanic Heritage

Hispanic Heritage and Spanish Language Series - all in one place!

September 15 - October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans.

Several Latin American independence days are celebrated during this time, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. However, the celebration originated in September 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order for the creation of Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, the observance was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan. 

Check out our growing Spanish Translations collection.

 

Within this Collection

Guiro | Periscope
Guiro | Periscope
Episode 36

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Guiro: A scraper sometimes used in Latin jazz. The Cuban and Puerto Rican form is made from a notched gourd and played with a stick.
Congas | Periscope
Congas | Periscope
Episode 35

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Congas: Drums played with the hands and often used in salsa and rumba music. Congas play a major role in Latin jazz bands.
Bongos & Concerro | Periscope
Bongos & Concerro | Periscope
Episode 34

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Bongos: Two small drums played between the knees, often used in Afro-Cuban music. The "Bongocero" is the name for a bongo player. Cencerro: A cowbell played by the "Bongocero," or bongo player. It can...
First of All, What Is Jazz? | Periscope
First of All, What Is Jazz? | Periscope
Episode 33

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Jazz music originated in the United States. It was created by African Americans in the early 1900s. The sound of jazz was influenced by West African rhythms and music, and American folk music. A...
So Now, Let's Eat! | Periscope
So Now, Let's Eat! | Periscope
Episode 32

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What would you make with all of these foods? Try having a Hispanic feast at your school that uses a few, or all, of these Latin American foods.
Chili Peppers | Periscope
Chili Peppers | Periscope
Episode 30

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The chili pepper is used to flavor many Hispanic dishes. It was originally grown in South America, and it too was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers. From Europe, the chili found its way into...
Black Beans Are Native to Latin America | Periscope
Black Beans Are Native to Latin America | Periscope
Episode 29

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Black beans are native to Latin America. Fifty-percent of the beans eaten in the Latin American country of Cuba are black beans. In Cuba a meal of black beans and rice, or "frijoles negros con arroz,"...
Beans | Periscope
Beans | Periscope
Episode 28

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People in Central and South America have grown and eaten many kinds of beans for thousands of years. Ancient cultures such as the Inca ate beans as a major part of their diet. During the 1500s...