In 1988 President Ronald Reagan extended National Hispanic Heritage Week to National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the celebration now takes place every year from September 15 until October 15. In those 30 days people of Hispanic descent celebrate their roots through traditional dancing, food and music. The Colt sat down with two students of HIspanic backgrounds to see what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them and how they celebrate.

Sophomore Jennifer Rosario is from Puerto Rico and Junior Jerson Alas is Honduran, Mexican, Salvadoreño and Guatemalteco.

The Colt: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Jennifer Rosario: I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Texas when I was 3 years old. I try to visit at least every two years to see my family. I am very proud of where I am from because the island and the people have been through a lot recently but they always stay strong.

Jerson Alas: It means a whole month dedicated to the amazing culture and people that shaped this country and especially this state.

TC: Do you celebrate? If so, how?

JR: We don’t celebrate only one month. Puerto Ricans celebrate their culture each and every day of the year. We are very prideful of our beautiful island and its culture.

JA: My family normally goes out to eat authentic central food so last year we ate Honduran and this year are eating Mexican.

There are many events scheduled throughout the metroplex during the month. Click the links below to see events dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month.

https://www.babble.com/latina/14-ways-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month/  

https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/

https://www.guidelive.com/things-to-do/hispanic-heritage-month

https://calendar.tccd.edu/event/hispanic_heritage_month_kick_off#.W5loZJNKii4

https://calendar.tccd.edu/event/hispanic_heritage_month_exhibit