This week, San Marcos kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration in the quad, featuring games of Loteria, dancing, and more. Hispanic Heritage month starts on September 15th, and lasts until October 15th. This month has been celebrated for decades as a time to commemorate the contributions of Hispanic Americans, and to celebrate their rich and diverse cultures.
This celebration of Hispanic Americans started off as Hispanic Heritage Week in the late 1960s, made possible in large part by Mexican-American Los Angeles City Council member Edward R. Roybal. It was later signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Decades later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan codified it as Hispanic Heritage Month. It was established from September 15th to October 15th, a full 30 days. This specific time period was selected because the independence anniversaries for numerous Latin American countries fall between those dates. Some of these countries include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Although the month is technically Hispanic Heritage Month, there has been controversy over the chosen name. The term “Hispanic” refers to all those from Spanish speaking countries. The argument has been made that the term Latino is more fitting, as it applies to any country in Latin America and excludes Spain, the very country that many Latin American countries gained their independence from. With Spain’s history of colonization and oppression, it may not seem fitting to include them in this month.
To recognize and celebrate this month, there are plenty of celebrations happening around Santa Barbara:
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
On Saturday, September 16, from 1 to 8 p.m., the City of Goleta will offer a free Mexican Independence Day celebration in Old Town Goleta. Participants can dance to mariachi music, cheer along to captivating performances, and support neighborhood businesses.
Benise – FIESTA!
12 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 at the Lobero Theatre, celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the histories, cultures, and accomplishments of Americans with ancestors from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This screening will be held at the Lobero Theatre sharing Benise’s performance at the Old Mission in Santa Barbara, a venue he played many times as a street performer.
INTOCABLE
Intocable, a highly regarded Mexican-American band, will perform at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, so get ready to witness their remarkable talent. Their mesmerizing fusion of Tejano, conjunto, and Norteño music will enthrall you as they create an amazing night of colorful songs and energizing rhythms.
NUANCED PEOPLES: EXPLORING LATINX IDENTITIES
From September 15 to November 10 at the La Cumbre Plaza location of the Arts Funds Gallery, there will be a variety of artistic pieces available for viewing to showcase Santa Barbara’s robust Latinx culture.
If you are unable to attend these events, there are plenty of other ways to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrations can be as simple as enjoying some good food, courtesy of the many latinx-owned businesses we have here in Santa Barbara and Goleta. And remember, celebration of latinx culture should not be confined to September 15-October 15. Their contributions and rich cultures should be appreciated year-round.
