Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place in the United States from September 15 to October 15 every year. This special heritage month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who trace their roots back to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. As of July, 2025, the Hispanic population of the United States was over 70 million, 21% of the total U.S. population. (Source: https://www.census.gov.)

In 1968, Congress designated a week for celebrating Hispanic heritage, and two decades later expanded it to a month. September 15 is the anniversary of independence in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those from Chile celebrate their independence September 18, while Mexican Independence Day is September 16.

“My hope is that the celebration of Mexico’s Day of Independence reminds us all how powerful we can be when we come together as a community,” said Carlos Miranda, CASL’s Caregiver Support Services Case Manager. “Together, we can move mountains.”

Carlos adds, “The history of the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) marks the definitive birth of Mexico’s battle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. It dates back to the early morning hours of September 16, 1810, when a Roman Catholic priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato, and gave the speech that ignited the Mexican War of Independence.”

They also recommend the legendary Mexican patriotic dish Chiles en Nogada, which consists of poblano chiles stuffed with a mixture of meat and fruits, topped with a walnut cream sauce (nogada) and bright red pomegranate seeds. The dish perfectly mimics the green, white, and red of the Mexican flag and is traditionally only eaten during August and September when pomegranates are in season.

Chicago is known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene. This Hispanic Heritage Month, seek out new flavors at Hispanic-owned restaurants such as Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar (Puerto Rican), Tanta Cocina Peruana (Peruvian), Irazu (Costa Rican), Tango Sur (Argentinian), La Licor Panamericana (Latin American), and Mercat a la Planxa (Spanish).

CASL recognizes the many contributions the Hispanic community has made to the histories, industries, and cultures of the United States—this heritage month and all year long. Check out the following activities in Chicago, recommended by Nilda Duenas, CASL’s Director of Human Services:

• Chicago Humanities Pilsen Day on September 26, which includes programming around Chicano culture, photography, music, public art and architecture
• Chicago Latino Dance Festival on October 11, which highlights Pan-Latino dance traditions
• Destinos Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, running September 14 to October 11
• National Museum of Mexican Art and the exhibit Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos
• National Puerto Rican Museum
• Pilsen mural/neighborhood walk

Also check out:

• Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago parks
• Latine History Events at Chicago Public Libraries
• Latine Heritage Month at the Chicago History Museum
• Latinx Heritage Month at the Field Museum