Hispanic Heritage Month Highlights Culture and Civic Contributions

Across the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month is bringing communities together through cultural festivals, educational programs and public discussions about identity, immigration and citizenship. Observed annually from September 15 through October 15, the celebration recognizes Hispanic and Latino Americans whose contributions span business, education, public service, the arts and family life.

Events in Utah, New York and Southern California illustrate the observance's varied focus, from integrating immigrant experiences into the American story to preserving cultural traditions and strengthening connections between generations.

At the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City, speakers at a Hispanic Heritage Month gathering emphasized the opportunities available in the United States while discussing the relationship between cultural heritage and national identity. The October 5 event was organized by Carlos Moreno, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Venezuela and member of the Salt Lake County Council.

U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens, a Republican representing Utah's 4th District, praised earlier generations whose sacrifices helped their families establish lives in the country. He connected their experiences to the ability of future generations to pursue the American dream.

Owens said those efforts would "allow us to hold on to this remarkable dream of America."

He also discussed how immigrants can preserve their ancestral traditions while embracing American customs and a shared national identity.

"What I love about this month, what I love about actually being American, is, yes we come from different backgrounds. We celebrate our culture, we celebrate our foods, we celebrate all the things that make memories happen when we think about where we came from. But you know what makes us special is that we come here, we assimilate, we become Americans.

All of a sudden, (the) American way is our way. The American way is what we celebrate. It's what we want to pass on to our kids," Owens said.

Moreno described his own experience of rebuilding his life after leaving Venezuela in 2009 because of political persecution under the regime of former President Hugo Chavez. His remarks emphasized the opportunities he found after arriving in Utah.

"I started a life from from scratch to now becoming someone in this country. But every day I wake up and I say thank you to my Heavenly Father to give me the opportunity to become American," Moreno said.

He also described the United States as a place where people can pursue ambitious personal and professional goals.

"This country is the most powerful country in the world, where we can achieve any kind of dream, any kind of goal, any kind of accomplishment. We can accomplish anything in this country," Moreno said.

Utah entrepreneur Ruben Martinez, who is originally from Mexico, reflected on how his understanding of success had changed over time. He placed greater emphasis on responsibility, gratitude and the opportunities his family received.

"As I've gotten older, I've defined success very differently than what I used to think was success. This is not about money. This is about what God has put in our hands and how we use those tools that God has given us," Martinez said.

He also recognized the sacrifices made by immigrant parents and families.

"So today I want to honor my parents, your families that brought us here to the U.S. to really take on our dreams. I'm really thankful for the opportunity that the U.S. has given me," Martinez said.

Utah Rep. Candice Pierucci, a Republican from Herriman, also recognized Hispanic Americans' role in the state and the country. She highlighted the community's determination, family ties and cultural traditions.

Pierucci described their contributions as an "integral role" in shaping the country, characterizing their experiences as a "journey is one of resilience, of perseverance, marked by unwavering determination and a deep-rooted commitment to family, community and culture."

She acknowledged the difficulties communities face amid "a world of challenges and uncertainties" and expressed gratitude for "the amazing contributions" Hispanic Americans make to Utah. Latino dance groups and a mariachi band performed during the gathering.

At Fordham University in New York, the observance has a strong educational and community-building focus. The university has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month since 2016, with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and student organizations arranging events designed to highlight Latino experiences and encourage participation across campus.

Marie Castro, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said the month recognizes historical challenges while celebrating the diversity of Latin American communities across North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

"The importance of Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month is to remember the unique challenges faced by the Latin community throughout history and today," Castro said. "It is also a time to celebrate the diaspora and all the beautiful similarities and differences that exist across Latin American communities in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean."

Jeferly Morillo, president of the Caribbean and African Student Association and a member of Fordham College at Rose Hill's Class of 2028, said representation can help students take pride in their backgrounds.

"This month gives us the chance to see ourselves and others from our community represented and celebrated," Morillo said. "Especially in today's climate, it's a different feeling that comes with being able to see our culture as something beautiful and something to be proud of, and seeing others take part in that as well."

Castro noted that campus celebrations can help students living away from home reconnect with familiar customs and family memories.

"For those in the diaspora who may feel like they are missing their families or certain nostalgic traditions, honoring the month allows them to experience a piece of home here at Fordham," Castro said. "This month is always a reminder for me that Latinidad is deeper than my birth certificate. No matter where you're located, you can carry and exude your culture wherever you are."

She said the activities also provide opportunities for students outside the Hispanic community to learn about Latino cultures through shared experiences and conversations.

"It's an opportunity for all of the Latinos in the Fordham community to show their pride and educate the broader Fordham community through programs, conversations and gatherings," Castro said.

Fordham's activities included Sabor de Café, organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Campus Ministry and Counseling and Psychological Services. The gatherings took place September 29 at Lowenstein-Law Plaza and September 30 at the McShane Campus Center, offering caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages.

The university also held Mucho Gusto, an annual celebration of Hispanic culture, food and dance organized by the Student Organization of Latines. The event took place October 2 at the Lincoln Center campus, while groups including El Grito, CASA, VIVA and the Dominican Students Association planned additional activities.

Morillo emphasized the value of sharing cultural experiences with the wider university community.

"Our stories, traditions and experiences are beautiful," Morillo said. "Culture is beautiful, and this month gives us the opportunity to be proud of that and share that beauty with others."

Beyond campuses and government events, Hispanic Heritage Month also highlights the economic and civic contributions of Latino residents in communities such as California's Inland Empire, which includes San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Local businesses, restaurants, construction companies, professional services and family-run enterprises contribute to the regional economy and provide jobs, according to a community report published by City News Group on October 7. Hispanic and Latino residents also serve as educators, health care professionals, first responders, elected officials, veterans, nonprofit leaders and volunteers.

The observance's dates reflect several Latin American independence anniversaries. It begins September 15, coinciding with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, followed by Chile on September 18.

In North Salem, New York, the North Salem Republican Town Committee also recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, connecting the celebration to the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Its statement highlighted generations of Hispanic Americans who have served in the military, established businesses, raised families and contributed to science, education, the arts and civic life.