When I was a child in Mexico, every Sept. 16 meant showing up to school dressed in traditional outfits for Mexican Independence Day. My classmates and I would celebrate with parades, music and food — all in one day of national pride. After moving to the United States, I noticed how that same spirit of cultural recognition extended beyond a single day into Hispanic Heritage Month. Here, the traditions were framed not just as expressions of culture but as part of a broader effort to recognize the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, was established to acknowledge the cultural, historical and societal impact of Hispanic and Latinx populations in the United States. Before we had Hispanic Heritage Month, it was Hispanic Heritage Week — introduced by U.S. Rep. Edward Roybal and Congressman George E. Brown in 1968. The celebration didn’t become a full month of commemoration until 1989. While it provides visibility and opportunities for celebration, some point out that heritage months can also function more as symbolic acknowledgments than commitments to structural change.
“(Hispanic Heritage Month) reflects a long history of Latinx presence in the United States that predates the U.S.,” said Luis Urrieta, professor of cultural studies in education. “The recognition of this month reflects a political struggle from previous generations. … Some of our previous political ancestors, representatives, Congressmen (and) Congresswomen really fought for this, so I think it’s in recognition of their efforts as well.”
These critiques come at a time when national conversations about immigration and education are especially prominent. Research shows that rhetoric and policy related to immigration influence how Latinx communities experience belonging in the United States. A 2022 Brookings Institution study found that anti-immigrant campaign advertisements negatively affect Latinos’ sense of welcome and increase stress levels. Similarly, scholars at George Washington University linked political rhetoric to higher rates of anxiety and depression among Latino youth.
“When there is a political backlash in our communities and issues like immigration being portrayed negatively in the media, that also impacts the ways in which we celebrate or organize,” Urrieta said.
For students at UT, however, the month can be both a celebration and a source of solidarity.
“You need to celebrate culture for it to thrive,” said Lola Ochoa Guerrero, history sophomore and co-president of the Hispanic and Latinx Student Association. “It’s more of a family (because) we’re in this together.”
Still, others argue that heritage months are primarily about celebrating culture. While that’s true, they can function to both highlight current cultural pride and past cultural contributions. By providing cultural visibility in spaces where Hispanic and Latinx stories are often overlooked, public recognition can create opportunities for education and spark conversations that might not occur otherwise. By concentrating attention on Hispanic contributions, universities and communities can create longer-term institutional change.
The strength of this month lies in its dual role as celebration and reflection. It not only affirms cultural traditions but also prompts discussion about how institutions and communities can better support Hispanic and Latinx populations throughout the year. While festivals and events bring visibility, the long-term impact depends on whether recognition is paired with educational opportunities and sustained support.
Vazquez is a journalism sophomore from Monterrey, Mexico.
