Hispanic Heritage Month
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Date: Fri Sep 15, 12:00 AM EDT - Sun Oct 15, 11:59 PM EDT
  • Community Partner Events,
  • Council Program Events
  • Daisies,
  • Brownies,
  • Juniors,
  • Cadettes,
  • Seniors,
  • Ambassadors,
  • Volunteers,
  • All

Table of Contents:

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 in the United States begins on Fri, Sep 15, 2023 – Sun, Oct 15, 2023. In 2023, the theme is Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America', recognizing the significant achievements of the Hispanic community in the economic and political industries.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The event, which has a unique September 15 to October 15 time span, commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large. Hispanic influences are tightly woven into the fabric of American life — think music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, and so much more.

“Are you wondering what the difference is between the terms Hispanic and Latino [Latina, Latinx]? While Hispanic usually refers to people with a background in a Spanish-speaking country, Latino is typically used to identify people who hail from Latin America.”

Why mid-month to mid-month? The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” —Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.

Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and Chile celebrated its independence from Spain on September 18, 1810; Belize declared its independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981.


Ways to Observe Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Watch the PBS’ documentary series on Latino America
  • Listen to podcast “Latino USA
  • Go to a Mexican Independence parade (or other Latinx celebration) in your community or nearby. Use your favorite search engine to find Hispanic/Latinx festivals near you.
  • Check out programs at your local library. Discover children’s and YA Latin American and Latinx literature with the Library of Congress.
  • Find your favorite Hispanic recipe to share with your family or friends (think Legacy Cook badges!)
  • Explore virtual activities and events: Check out the National Hispanic Heritage Month’s website for virtual events. Enjoy performances, lectures and family activities from the Smithsonian.
  • Explore Latin music and painting online with Música del Pueblo: A

PBS Provides Free Hispanic Heritage Month Education Tools for Kids

PBS LearningMedia and PBS KIDS for Parents have several free, online resources parents can access to celebrate Hispanic heritage all year long, including:


Your Girl Scout and Girl Guide (WAGGGS) Connections

Antigua
Antigua

Venezuela
Venezuela

From Antigua to Venezuela the WAGGGS Western Hemisphere Region supports national Girl Guide and Girl Scout organizations in 35 countries (including the USA) and reaches almost 3 million girls and women. To see a list of the countries and their Guide/Girl Scout pin or logo, go to Member Organisations at WAGGGS.org.

Our Region* is diverse in terms of culture, language and development, yet we are united by our Mission to “enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.” Learn more at About Us at WAGGGS.org.

* The Western Hemisphere is one of five Regions that make up WAGGGS, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. It serves North, Central and South America and the West Indies. For Girl Scouts in the USA, our closest WAGGGS neighbors are The Bahamas Girl Guides Association, Girl Guides Canada, and Guías de México.


Disney's Encanto

What Culture is Encanto?

Set in Colombia, the country's culture is a key component in the story of Encanto. (Encanto tells the story of Mirabel Madrigal, a regular girl in a family whose members have magical gifts that grant them super abilities.).
Check out Encanto: 10 Real References To Colombian Culture You Might Have Missed.

Coco

Coco is a 2017 Disney/Pixar film with a Mexican theme - Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead - and an all-Hispanic cast. Dia de los Muertos is November 2, 2022.


Asociación de Guías Scouts de Colombia

Asociación de Guías Scouts de Colombia

The organization is divided in four branches according to age:

  • Haditas (Fairies) - ages 6 to 9
  • Guías Menores - (Junior Guides) ages 10 to 12
  • Guías Caravelas - (Caravel* Guides) ages 13 to 15
  • Guías Mayores - (Senior Guides) ages 16 to 18

*A caravel was a small, fast sailing ship used for voyages of discovery.

Asociación de Guías Scouts de Colombia

Guide Promise:
With the grace of God, I __________ promise on my honor that I will do my best:
To fulfill my duties to God, my country and my family,
To help other people in all circumstances,
To obey the Guide Law.

Asociación de Guías Scouts de Colombia

Hadita Promise:
I _________ promise to do everything possible:
To fulfill my duties to God, my country and my family,
To help other people every day, especially those at home and at school,
And to obey the Hadita Law.