Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, and was expanded to a full month under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The month of celebration begins on September 15th-the independence day of the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua-and lasts until October 15th. “Hispanic” or “Latino/a” can refer to people of many countries and cultures, including Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Central and South American countries.
You can celebrate Hispanic heritage in many ways: learn more about the history of Hispanics in the United States, learn to cook some traditional dishes, or learn the Spanish language. Here are some phrases to get you started.
¡Hola!
Hello!
¡Buenos días!
Good morning!
¿Cómo está?
How are you?
Muy bien, gracias.
Very good, thanks.
Yo hablo español.
I speak Spanish.
¡Qué bueno!
That’s great!
¡Que te diviertas!
Have fun!
Hasta pronto.
See you soon.
Practice your Spanish all month with our Spanish courses, available here.
Photo by Army Sgt. Nina Ramon 345th Public Affairs Detachment (United States Army), via Wikimedia Commons
