National Hispanic Heritage Month is a 56-year-old event that runs from September 15th until October 15th. The event highlights and celebrates the contributions of Hispanic people to the U.S. society and economy, as well as to its history and culture. This month on Zazzle, we’d like to pay special tribute to these communities – which make up almost 20% of our nation – and acknowledge their accomplishments in the arts, science, education, business, and more.
What Is the Significance of National Hispanic Heritage Month?
Although this celebration of Hispanic culture now extends to a month, it began as a week-long event. In 1968, Proclamation 3869, written into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, provided for a National Hispanic Heritage Week. Johnson called for “the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” September 15th was also chosen as the start date because of the overlap with Independence Day in 5 Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
By 1988, however, there was a push to introduce a National Hispanic Heritage Month. This prompted the then-president, Ronald Reagan, to issue another Proclamation. In this document – Proclamation 5859 – Reagan pointed to the “many gifts [that Hispanic Americans] give to our nation… […] as they achieve and excel in every area of endeavor.” The month-long celebration, which continues to run from the middle of September to the middle of October, now encompasses Independence Day in Mexico, Chile, and Belize, too.
While both Presidents referred to ‘Hispanic Heritage’ in their Proclamations, some prefer the term ‘National Latinx Heritage Month.’ Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably, but they in fact refer to two populations. Hispanic, derived from the Spanish word hispano, means that the person is from, or has ancestry in, a Spanish-speaking country, such as El Salvador or Guatemala. Latino and Latina refer to anyone with a background in Latin America and the Caribbean, including indigenous and Afro-Latin peoples.
How Is National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated?
The role of educators and academic facilities that Johnson mentioned in his 1968 Proclamation continues to be relevant today, with the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, and National Park Service all hosting lectures and exhibitions throughout the month. Many cities will also organize parades, historical tours, and charity events to mark the occasion.
National Hispanic Heritage Month also boasts a theme informing the celebrations each year. In 2024, the theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Not only have the Hispanic and Latin communities been “pioneers of change,” but they continue to be, as we “shape the future together.” This is particularly noteworthy at a time when “the economic output of American Latinos would rank fifth in the world if the community were an independent country,” according to the Smithsonian.
Hispanic Heritage Month and Our Zazzle Creators
We’re privileged to host a growing number of Hispanic and Latin Creators on the Zazzle marketplace. In the lead-up to National Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024, we reached out to this community to pose the following question: “How has Hispanic heritage played a part in your design work, if at all?” Here’s what some of them had to say:
“I was raised in a multi-cultural family. My mother is Chilean, my father is French, and I was born and raised in the US. The Hispanic heritage has played an enormous part of my life, as cultural beliefs, traditions, ways of life and language were all passed down to me by my South American mother. The way I see life, how I make sense of things, and much more, all stem from my upbringing in a Hispanic family. Every summer we’d travel from the US to visit family in Chile, where on any given day, the downtown streets are lined with artists and their artboxes, sketching out tourists, Chilean wildlife, birds, ocean scenes, cartoons, etc. I came to appreciate the basics in drawing: pen & ink. I love it, in fact. It’s so simple, so pure. You can get elegant, cute, whimsical… So that’s what I do. I draw in black pen & ink. It’s just part of who I am.” – Nathalie Portet Studio
“I grew up in New Mexico where one can’t help but be immersed in a multicultural experience, filled with history, family, and tradition. Holidays and family get-togethers were joyous occasions. Even everyday items were decorated to be colorful and beautiful. I grew to have a deep respect for my heritage and a love of art. The goal of my work is to represent this experience authentically. The folk art styles of papel picado, decorative ceramics and pottery, paper mache, and textiles inspire my designs. I love incorporating bold colors and traditional patterns. I find joy in designing things that will be a part of others’ cherished memories. It’s one small way of celebrating my heritage.” – Fiesta Valley Print
“As a Latina, there is not a corner of my life that my heritage has not permeated. I feel incredibly proud to be able to say I am Mexican and Costa Rican. Growing up, the countless summers I spent in my family’s home state of Guanajuato, Mexico, were pure magic. The traditions and warmth that are unique to Hispanic culture continue to heavily influence me as an artist. I find myself eternally inspired by the colors, textures, and vibrancy that radiate from Latin America. Whether it’s cooking, music, or art, my culture is in everything I do, it’s who I am!” – Lunita Limon
“I am Puerto Rican and grew up in Puerto Rico until I was 15 years old, when my family relocated to the States in search of better opportunities. My time in Puerto Rico has definitely influenced my design style. The culture there is so vibrant and full of life, with its bold colors and energetic spirit, and it is a significant inspiration for me. Puerto Ricans love to celebrate and have fun, and that lively vibe really influences my work. I’m naturally drawn to bright colors, eye-catching fonts, and playful, expressive illustrations, and I think it all comes from my Puerto Rican roots.” – Jen Mercado
“Both my parents are of Hispanic lineage and although I was born and grew up in the Caribbean I’ve always gravitated and identified with our heritage. Because of this I enjoy using bold and vibrant colors in my designs as well as beautiful patterns. I like to add a pop of color to everything I create.” – Coastal Creative
“My Hispanic heritage has played a part in my design work in many ways. I’m originally from New Mexico and that Southwestern culture has inspired my work through use of bright colors and the emphasis on family closeness.” – Christina Wedberg
At Zazzle, this month is an opportunity for us to experience and honor Hispanic contributions and our Hispanic and Latin Creators. Let us know in the comments about the resonance that National Hispanic Heritage Month has for you and how you plan to get involved.
