September 15 – October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. The month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. Loudoun United FC look to educate and reflect on those communities that have influenced and contributed to the American society.
September 15 is also the day that many Latin Americans celebrate their Country’s independence including Jeremy Garay (El Salvador) and Isaac Espinal (Honduras). Luis Zamudio is amongst the many Hispanic Americans that celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16.
American Hispanic history is rich and diverse with immigrants, refugees and Spanish-speaking or Indigenous people living in the United States since long before the nation was established. Bringing with them traditions and culture from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Latin American and Iberian nations, America’s Hispanic population continues to grow, reaching a record 62.5 million in 2020, or 18.7 percent of the U.S. population. *
Hear From Our Players
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Jeremy Garay
“I am proud of my heritage and thankful of the background I grew up in. My parents have given up a lot for me to be where I am now and I will forever be grateful, they’ve shown me to be proud of where I come from. I’m glad we can take this time to celebrate the different cultures during Hispanic Heritage Month. I come from a Salvadoran household and I’m thankful to be able to embrace my culture and roots that my family has embedded into me.”
Isaac Espinal
“There are many things the Hispanic community has done for American culture that we can celebrate including the influence of construction, beauty care, agriculture and much more. Coming from a Hispanic country, where we did not have as many opportunities, we had to make many sacrifices. Knowing that there is a month in which we are recognized and appreciated truly makes me proud. I am blessed to be Honduran and a part of the Hispanic community.”
Luis Zamudio
“This month is important for the entire Hispanic community because representation matters. No one talks about past successful Hispanics such as astronauts, writers, judges and military men and women that have fought for this country. I think it is important for young Hispanic Americans to learn and see the achievements of other Hispanics for proof that success is possible.”
Learn More About Hispanic History
Books
- Finding Latinx by Paola Ramos
- The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
- Borderlands/Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria Anzaldúa
- Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism by Laura Gómez
- Once I Was You by Maria Hinojosa
- Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas
Watch
- Selena – Directed by Moisés Zamora (Netflix)
- Maria Full of Grace – Directed by Joshua Marston (HBOMax)
- Even The Rain – Directed by Iciar Bollain (Netflix)
- McFarland USA – Directed by Niki Caro (Disney+)
- The Sentence – Directed by Rudy Valdez (Hulu)
Interested in Supporting Loudoun County’s Hispanic-owned Businesses?
Visit Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Hispanic Chamber and NOVA Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce for a list of Hispanic/Latinx Owned businesses in Loudoun County.
Go to Local Community Events
September 16, 23, 30 and October 7 – Hispanic Heritage Film Series
Hispanic films will be shown at the Williamsburg Regional Library. Films will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles and also in English.
September 24 – 9th Anniversary Celebración of Winchester
The Winchester Main Street Foundation will be hosting a free festival from noon to 4 p.m. that will include food, retail vendors, traditional dances, live music and impromptu Latin dancing lessons.
October 1 – La Rumba Latinx Festival
The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fredericksburg and provide resources to the Latin America community. The day will include fun, music, kids’ activities, health screenings and raffles.
October 15 – ¡Virginia Fiesta!
Held from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Virginia Fiesta will highlight science and culture with workshops, food trucks, cultural performances and much more!
October 10 – 16 – Restaurante Week
This is a week-long celebration of Latin cuisine throughout Virginia. Restaurants participating include Manny’s Seafood, Soul & Mexican in Collinsville, Roanoke’s Cuban Island, La Tingeria in Falls Church, Guadalajara in Charlottesville and Rosa Colombian Bar and Grill in Newport News.
*Information sourced from History.com
