Hispanic Heritage Month
Data & images courtesy of www.cmosc.org/hispanic-heritage-month-kids-activities
Hispanic Heritage Month Facts for Kids
Every year, people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This 30-day event is an opportunity for children and families to celebrate their heritage, and for all of us to learn more about diverse Hispanic cultures and their unique customs, traditions, and history.
When Did Hispanic Heritage Month Start?
The United States first celebrated Hispanic Heritage Week on September 17, 1968. In 1988, the U.S. officially extended the holiday and Hispanic Heritage Month was declared from September 15th to October 15th.
Why Does Hispanic Heritage Month Start on September 15?
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th because this specific date marks the Independence Day for five Latin American countries:
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
On September 15, 1872, these nations collectively achieved freedom from Spain marking the day a national holiday in each of these countries. In addition, Mexico celebrates Independence Day on September 16, while Chile marks its independence on September 18th.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated in the United States?
Over 63.7 million people in the United States are of Hispanic or Latino origin–that’s about 19% of the total U.S. population. In the United States, people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the significant influence and contributions made by Latino and Hispanic people to the nation and the world.
What is the Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 Theme?
Every year Hispanic Heritage Month has a different theme. The Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 theme is: “Every year Hispanic Heritage Month has a different theme. The Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 theme is: “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.”
Papel Picado
Papel picado, traditional Mexican folk art, is a captivating and colorful craft that can inspire children to get creative at home! “Papel picado” translates to “perforated paper;” these decorations feature intricate designs cut into colorful tissue paper. Traditional papel picado often uses bright shades of colors like red, yellow, green, and purple. You will commonly see these delicate, lacy banners during festivals and celebrations in Latin American countries.
Making your own papel picado-inspired decorations to hang around your home is a fun and creative way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at home. Similar to making a paper snowflake, all you need is some colorful craft paper or tissue and a pair of scissors to create unique and beautiful decorations!
More Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month
Music, Readings,
Have a Dance Party with Latin American Children’s Songs
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Reading Passage {Printable}
Ideas for Musical Activities to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month {Printable}
Learn a Mexican folkloric dance – check out these videos to dance with your children!
15 Children’s Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Crafts
Puerto Rican Güiro Craft for Kids
Día de Los Muertos Calavera Craft for Kids
Explore Spain Coloring Activity {Printable}
Multicultural Crafts to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
How to Make Paper Fiesta Flowers
Hispanic Heroes Trading Cards {Printable}
Cesar Chavez Coloring Activity {Printable}
Dolores Huerta Coloring Activity {Printable}
Additional
12 Resources to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Kids
Enjoy a week of Latino food! Try this 7 day Puerto Rican food meal plan to get you started.
Share a tradition with your children through pictures and storytelling, like the tradition of a Quinceañero (or Quinceañera as known in other Latin American countries).
Celebrate with an after-school treat like these Strawberry & Cream Cheese Pastelitos (inspired by traditional Pastelitos de Guayaba) or this Limber de Mango!
Let the kids play PBS KIDS’ online games in Spanish!