Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Bulldogs! Observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans celebrate the culture and contributions of American citizens of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and Central and South American origin.
For some context, the origin of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to 30 days. Stated by the official National Hispanic Heritage Month website, “It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, [under] Public Law 100-402.” Additionally, Sept. 15 was chosen as the initiation as it is the “anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.” Mexico celebrates her independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. Columbus Day, also known as Día de la Raza, is celebrated on Oct. 12.
To celebrate, our very own Latinx Club will be hosting the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Event at Bellevue College on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: U Building Ballroom
Description: Dinner, performances, DJ featurette
Some other nearby HHM events include:
- Classical Latin American Chamber Concerts – Oct. 8, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N Seattle 98103, USA
- Mexam at the Zoo – Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA 98103
- Description: Mexam NW and Woodland Park Zoo partnered to feature flamingo, tiger, red panda, and rhino keeper talks, animal ambassadors, and a penguin snack time.
- Día de Muertos Family Concert – Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Seattle Symphony, 200 University ST, Seattle, WA 98101 (Benaroya Hall)
- Description: Vibrant Mexican music and composers, with instruments, festivities, and decorations
- 16th Annual Seattle Latino Film Festival – Every Monday through Saturday (Oct. 4 to 12), 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.PM.
- Raisbeck Auditorium, 2017 Boren Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
- Description: With perspectives from 21 countries for all ages, festival pass $40 – $120
