Saint Anselm is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with several events, including a concert, cooking class, dance class, and a Spanish letter-writing workshop to brighten the days of senior citizens around the world. The goal of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15,  is to increase visibility and appreciation for Hispanic culture, which has historically been minimized in the US. 

Originating in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the thirty-day celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month encompasses several Latin American independence anniversaries, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. All US and world citizens are invited to recognize the dynamic contributions made by these diverse cultures. 

Although encompassing a vast 19.1% of the US population, Hispanic culture has been historically overlooked and underserved, with over 25% of the Latino population falling at or below the poverty line in 2023. Though Hispanic Heritage Month certainly brings awareness to such tragic statistics and stories, it is not simply a season of awareness, but of hope, joy, and pride in one’s culture.

Professor Lourdes Jiménez, who planned Saint Anselm’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, stated, “Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates our Hispanic ancestors, histories, cultures, and contributions in the United States. Here at Saint Anselm College, as we celebrate Hispanic heritage, we honor the diversity of our community and promote cultural understanding”. 

Hispanic Heritage Month events on the Hilltop included a letter writing workshop with Prof. Elizabeth Fouts, a cooking class on making tamales with Prof. Marigen Tapia Learnard, a Salsa Madness dance class with professionals from Royal Palace Dance Studio in Manchester, and a concert featuring music by composers of Spanish and Latin American descent. 

The Hispanic Heritage Month concert included performances by music department faculty and students, including Prof. Lozeau, Prof. Braun-Bakken and Mia Tidd ‘24. Tidd, who performed a piece on piano and said that she loved the chance to participate, stated “It’s a great tradition with incredible performances, and I am really glad that I get to contribute to it!”

Hispanic Heritage Month can be celebrated from home! Try checking out books and poetry by Hispanic authors like Esmerelda Santiago, cooking or ordering a traditional Hispanic dish such as tamales, appreciating the work of Hispanic actors like Rita Moreno, Lin Manuel-Miranda, or America Ferrera, and listening to famous Hispanic musicians.

This month, let’s take the time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic communities and join in seeking and promoting greater cultural understanding.