United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15, is being marked across the United States with various cultural, educational, and community events. This year’s theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (Together, We Are More), emphasizes unity and the collective impact of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Regional celebrations include art exhibitions and community gatherings in Central Florida and Orange County, as well as Fiestas Patrias in Fresno, which features food, music, and dance. Educational institutions like the Lone Star College System and public resources like the Richmond Public Library are hosting activities ranging from historical lectures to cultural workshops.

The month also serves as a period to highlight the complex history of Afro-Latinos. Research indicates that approximately one-quarter of Latino adults in the U.S. identify as Afro-Latino, Afro-Caribbean, or of African descent, a demographic shaped by centuries of history in Latin America and the Caribbean.