Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month filled with culture, vivid colors, and great foods to eat that trace back to the B.C. time period all the way up to now!
“I think it’s cool for other cultures to acknowledge this month because they get to know the cool and interesting history that’s involved within the month, also because it’s not talked about as much in school.” said Averie Garcia .
Celebracion
During Hispanic Heritage Month, those who celebrate recognize the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture. They also celebrate by having events like parades, concerts, food fairs, and most importantly, educates. There are about 60.6 million Hispanics that make up the largest minority group in the U.S., which is 18% of the nation’s total population. The month was established here in America by Representative Edward R. Roybal and President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
“This month is very meaningful to me because it talks about my people heritage , just learning about its history is very influencing to me because my history isn’t really talked about in school.” said Garcia
I bet you’re wondering what is eaten during this month. Well, there are many delicious meals, like Menudo. Menudo is known to be a popular soup within the Hispanic culture that is made with beef stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base. Usually, lime, chopped onions, and chopped cilantro are added, as well as crushed oregano and crushed red chili peppers. Enchiladas, a Mexican dish that is made with a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a savory sauce, is another popular cultural food. Enchiladas can be filled with various ingredients including meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or a combination of ingredients. Another Hispanic meal is Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish consisting of braised flank steak that gets shredded. It’s cooked low and slow with tomatoes, pimentos, onions, and peppers, then gets a briny kick from olives and capers. There are so many dishes I could list that live within the Hispanic culture.
“I think it’s great for non-Hispanic people to try our foods to not only have good eats but to learn and know the flavors we use to bring out foods.” said Gracia.
Brought here as a Child
I’ve spoken with junior Gabriela Lopez, who was brought here as a child. She explained that her mom and two uncles migrated from Honduras to America because they were in danger. It was very difficult for her family to adjust to the new life in America because they couldn’t speak any English. Lopez and her family do not plan on going back to Honduras to visit.
“Moving to America was good for me and my family because back home, we all lived in danger,” said Lopez.
Let’s acknowledge this beautiful month filled with interesting history about its culture and delicious meals. Go out and try the delicious meals listed , learn some cool information about the history behind this month, be creative with friends and families and spread the love of this month and just Celebrar!
Tyianna Millsap and Asiah Darden-Simmons contributed to this story.
