We come together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It's a beautiful time to honor the vibrant cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the U.S. The origins of Hispanic Heritage Month can be traced back to 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated Hispanic Heritage Week. The celebration was later extended to a full month in 1988.
In Madison, we celebrate the month with a lineup of cultural events that help you see, hear, feel and taste the culture that helps makes our community so vibrant. Jump to Madison celebrations.>
Embracing the Rich Cultural Diversity of Latin America
To truly decolonize our understanding of Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to acknowledge the deeper, more complex history of Latin America. Before the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, the Americas were home to thriving civilizations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, among many others. These Indigenous peoples had their own rich cultures, languages and traditions that have survived centuries of colonization and continue to be an integral part of Latin American identity today.
The forced migration of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade brought new cultures, languages, and traditions to Latin America. These African influences have deeply shaped our music, dance, religion and even cuisine. Hispanic Heritage Month should be a time to honor these roots and acknowledge that our cultures are the result of a complex and often painful history that includes resistance, resilience, and the blending of many different peoples.
Latin America is not a monolith; it’s a region of immense diversity, where Indigenous, African, European, and Asian influences coexist and intersect. Each country and community has its own unique traditions, customs and languages, shaped by local histories and geographies.
This celebration is not just about acknowledging the past, but also about embracing the dynamic present and the promising future that the Latinx community brings to our nation. Whether it’s the rich flavors of our cuisine, the rhythms that make us dance, or the stories that shape our identities, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the colorful tapestry that Latinos add to the cultural, economic and political landscape in the United States.
Why Do We Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month was established during a time when the contributions of Latino communities were finally beginning to gain recognition in the United States. The timing of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is no coincidence—it aligns with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. These dates highlight the deep historical ties between the U.S. and Latin American nations. These dates are a powerful reminder of our shared values of independence, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us.
The Growing Latino Population and Its Impact
The Latino community in the U.S. is growing—and with that growth comes incredible influence. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020, Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, making us the largest ethnic minority in the country. But our impact goes far beyond numbers.
Latinos are driving growth in key sectors like agriculture, construction, retail, and healthcare. Our entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, with Latino-owned businesses growing faster than the national average. And let’s talk about purchasing power—estimated to be close to $2 trillion, our economic influence is undeniable.
The Latino Community in Wisconsin: A Spotlight on Madison
Here in Wisconsin, the Latino community is making its mark, particularly in cities like Madison. With Latinos representing around 7% of the state’s population, our presence is felt in the local economy and beyond. In Madison, Latino-owned businesses are not just surviving—they’re thriving. From delicious restaurants to innovative startups, we’re creating jobs, fueling growth, and enriching the community. But our impact isn’t just economic; it’s cultural too. The festivals that celebrate our heritage, the restaurants that offer a taste of home, and the community events that bring us together—all these elements contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of Madison.
How to Celebrate in Madison
I invite you to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by participating the various community events! Experience the rich traditions, music, and cuisine that highlight the vibrant Hispanic cultures. Your presence not only supports the preservation of these cultural treasures but also fosters greater understanding and unity among us all.
- Sept. 15: Viva Mexico at Breese Stevens Field
- Sept. 24: Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month Celebration at Centro Hispano
- Sept. 26: Celebrando Nuestra Cultura at Madison College-Goodman South Campus
BONUS: If you enjoy dancing as much as I do, check out the Cardinal Bar every Thursday for a fun night of live performances from various Latinx local bands and Cafe Coda's Latin dance classes. Visit our restaurants page to find local Latin eats across town.