Beyond Food & Festivals: Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Christina Leyva
Sep 6
2 min read

September marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a chance to celebrate the rich diversity of the Hispanic/Latino community. It is also the perfect time to highlight our students' cultures and create opportunities for them to share their identities with peers.

As educators, we set the tone for cultural competence. When we intentionally weave students’ languages, identities, and histories into learning, we affirm who they are. This month, let's go beyond food, flags, and festivals (though those are wonderful too!) and create deeper, lasting connections.

Here are some simple, meaningful ways to honor Hispanic culture—not just in September, but all year long:

1. Classroom & Curriculum

Highlight change makers. Share the stories
of Hispanic/Latino leaders past and present. Focus on their character traits so students see them as role models. (See list in PDF.)
Use diverse literature. Bring in Hispanic/Latino authors across all subjects. For example, in science, introduce Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space—an astronaut and engineer whose expertise shaped four shuttle missions.

2. Student Voice & Identity

A Peek Into My World. Give students a chance to share traditions, music, or family stories through live presentations or short recordings.
Heritage Interviews. Invite family or community members to speak. Have students
prepare questions and practice active listening.

3. Schoolwide Celebrations

Cultural spotlights. Feature Hispanic books, art, and music in hallways or the library. Add QR codes for students to explore with school devices.
Living museums. Host class or grade-level exhibits on Hispanic figures and their contributions.

By celebrating the identities, contributions, and voices of Hispanic/Latino communities, we not only affirm our students’ cultural backgrounds but also expand everyone’s cultural awareness. These efforts build safe, inclusive spaces where all students thrive.

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