(Wikimedia)

The United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage month every year from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and cultural diversity of the Hispanic community.

The observance began in 1968 as a week-long celebration and extended to a month-long celebration in 1988. The start date, September 15, marks the independence anniversary of Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The thirty-day period includes important dates like the Independence Days of Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 18), and Belize (September 21).

Throughout the month, museums across the country display pieces made by notable Latin American artists in interactive galleries and exhibitions. Many cities also host festivities ranging from parades to concerts that incorporate the vibrant colors and traditional foods of Hispanic culture.

On Saturday, September 30, the Hispanic Outreach for Latin Awareness (HOLA)–Academy’s Hispanic parents association–hosted a community salsa history and dance day under the direction of Rodney Eric Lopez, a dance educator who earned a feature on the Paramount Classics documentary Mad Hot Ballroom. Lopez explained how salsa dance originated in the 1920s in Cuba, then later migrated to New York in the 1940s. He taught community members some basic dance moves to upbeat, groovy Latin music.With the quad and dining hall covered in papel picado to represent the wind and fragility of life, Academy embraces Hispanic culture every year during this time of observance.

As the celebration concludes, look for upcoming HOLA or CASA events to immerse yourself in Hispanic Heritage month-related events.