National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans. This national observance was first established on September 17, 1968 and on August 17, 1988, congress passed a law to extend the observance from a week to a month observance. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 and this year's theme is "Many Backgrounds, Many Stories...One American Spirit."

During these months, and around the world, a wide range of independence days are celebrated in many Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. El Dia de la Raza (the Day of the Race) or as we know it, Columbus Day, is observed on October 12 in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The term Hispanic is an ethnic description which is often used as race. It also refers to native language and to cultural background. Within the group called Hispanics, there are people of diverse ethnic origins. There are African Americans and American Indians, as well as, individuals of purely European background whose families have lived in the Americas for generations. And, because of blending of groups, there are descendants who represent a combination of several origins. Hispanics do not necessarily regard themselves as a single group because often times their attachments are to their specific national origin. This explains the complex nature of demographic data collection and self-identification when it comes to the Hispanic or Latino community.

The most recent Census statistics indicate that the Hispanic community accounted for over half of our America's population growth from 2000 to 2010. As of April 1, 2010, the estimated Hispanic population of the United States was 50.5 million (16.3%), making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority. This is even a more impressive statistic when you take into consideration that Hispanic Origin was not even asked on the Federal Census Bureau Report prior to 1970. By 2010, the Census Bureau had recognized the significant growth of this group which led them to add a more inclusive fifth category of origin to include "Other Spanish/ Hispanic" in an attempt to better identify the entire Hispanic community.

Hispanics have had an impact on our nation just not in numbers but more importantly, in their contributions to our Nation's impressive history. From Nobel Prize winners Luis Walter Alvarez and Sevoro Ochoa, to doctors like Antonia Novello, the first Hispanic person and first woman to be appointed as Surgeon General, to Fernando Bujones world renowned ballet dancer who in 1973, he became the first American male to win the Gold Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria, to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Hispanics have and continue to shape what America is today and into the future.

Please enjoy the upcoming events in the metro DC area celebrating the rich diverse Hispanic culture through a variety of venues as follows:

Latino Festival - Fiesta DC - September 25, 2011. The annual event in Downtown Washington, DC includes a parade, a children's festival, a science fair, arts & crafts, international cuisine and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month at the National Museum of American History - Throughout September, the Smithsonian Museum offers special displays, programming and food offerings in their cafeteria. Highlights include The Mexican Revolution! American Legacy, an exhibit that uses images, photographs, a timeline and objects, the case looks at how the Mexican Revolution precipitated a large migration of Mexicans to the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month at the National Gallery of Art - September 15 - October 15, 2011. The Gallery presents a wide array of offerings honoring this rich and diverse cultural legacy. The Gallery regularly offers Spanish-language guided tours, audio guides, and printed guides to the art collection.

AFI Latin American Film Festival - September 22-October 12, 2011. AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. Silver Spring, MD. The annual festival showcases the best filmmaking from Latin America and, with the inclusion of films from Spain and Portugal, celebrates Ibero-American cultural connections. This year's Festival will screen over 30 films from 18 different Latin American countries, including multiple award-winners, international festival favorites, local box-office hits and debut works by promising new talents.

International Festival of Hispanic Theater - October 11 - November 19, 2011. Gunston Arts Center, Theatre Two, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, VA. Arlington's acclaimed Spanish-language theatre company showcases top visiting theatre troupes from Latin American and Spain.