Spanish Language Club moderators gather to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The Spanish Language Club hosted a meeting to celebrate the month where they enjoyed celebrations of fun. (Photo courtesy of Alexandra Lopéz Jiménez)

The months of October and September bring forth many festivities for the celebration of American citizens of Mexican, South American, Spanish and Caribbean descent. Hispanic Heritage Month is specifically a time of remembrance and a salute to freedom. 

According to the 2022 census, 32.2% of Arizona’s population is made of citizens who have families of Hispanic descent. There are many many commemorative ceremonies to honor this lineage. 

One city in particular is making the most of these months. Mesa, Arizona has packed this month with a variety of cultural experiences. 

“El Grito” was a cry that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, known as the father of the homeland, exclaimed to his parish on September 16, 1810 in a small Mexican city. 

This cry was sent out as a message for the Mexican people to rise up against the Spaniards. “El Grito” was re-created in the Mesa Arts Center, on September 16. Many showed up to this event to indulge in all of the fun ways to celebrate. Along with the performance of the victory cry, many Hispanic dances were performed and cultural  food was served as well.

Many public celebrations are very popular during Hispanic Heritage Month; however, members of the Hispanic community also have private celebrations. It is a time for families to get together, celebrate and cook delicious food. Many popular meals are tacos, enchiladas and arroz con pollo, or rice with chicken. 

Food is a strong part of Hispanic and Latino culture, as well as their flags. The Mexican flag, for example, has colors representing something meaningful. Green represents hope and victory, white stands for unity and their religion and red is for the blood shed by Mexico’s heroes. 

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson announced Hispanic Heritage would be nationally celebrated for a week. It was not until August 17, 1988, however, when Hispanic heritage celebrations were expanded to a month with the first celebration theme entitled, “Todos somos, somos uno” (we are all, we are one).

Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month has a different theme. This year’s theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.” This theme is powerful to some, one being Xavier Spanish teacher Alejandra Rosarossa.

“This holiday, in a sense, reinforces the idea that in the United States people are welcomed to make new lives for themselves. It is very empowering to know that we are welcome here and happy to see that there is room for all,” Rosarossa said.

Along with all of the festivities of Hispanic Heritage Month comes the preparation for Día de los Muertos which is celebrated on November 1 through November 2. This is a sacred time to reflect on family or friends who have died.

Alexandra Lopéz Jiménez, another Spanish teacher at Xavier, is pleased with all of the events that Arizona and the rest of the country had to offer this year in regards to Hispanic Heritage Month.

This month is about showcasing freedom and all of the culture which has been brought to the United States. “This time is important because it highlights what we can bring,” Lopéz Jiménez said.

Many citizens agree that Hispanic Heritage Month is a fun, event-filled time to relax with family and reflect on heritage. Martha Murrieta is a dedicated citizen and another Spanish teacher who celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. “It is really time to showcase our culture and get others involved with our community,” Murrieta said.