by: Elizabeth Sedway, Famplosion.comEach year, families across America observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 31-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
September 15 is a significant date, because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 31 day period.
Atlanta's largest Hispanic Heritage Month outdoor celebration, Fiesta Georgia will take place Sunday, September 20th, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Over 20,000 people attended the inaugural Fiesta Georgia in 2008. Fiesta Georgia serves as the unofficial kick-off to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Georgia. Fiesta Georgia will be a day long celebration of Latino culture, music, and food featuring continuous live performances by national and local recording artists, vendor booths offering free product samples, arts and crafts, and authentic Latino foods. In San Jose, hispanic culture is celebrated at the Mariachi Day at Children's Discovery Museum. This is just one event of many events scheduled during the San José Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival. Event officials point out:
Now in its 18th year, the San José Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival presents a weeklong schedule of music and educational events, drawing over 50,000 people to hear artists like Linda Ronstadt, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Cobre, Los Lobos, and Carlos Santana.
In Los Angeles, families can enjoy Target Feria de la Familia (Family Festival) together. Highlights of this event include musical and dance performances, youth art activities, storytelling and mural making.
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Another fun event celebrating Alta California is The Rancho Day Fiesta at the Sanchez Adobe in Pacifica on September 19th. You can find more information here: http://www.famplosion.com/events/86901
On the other side of a bay, you can experience Fandango. Petaluma Adobe State Park, invites you to experience the dance and music of the Mexican California ranchero era. Fun for the whole family will take place on October 3 and you can find more information at: http://www.famplosion.com/events/83571
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