Esta historia también está disponible en inglés aquí.

Hispanic Heritage Month has officially ended. The following is a collection of Instagram posts written for @heightsherald, @chhs_hylanders, and @chpsisd13 for the occasion. Here’s what some members of the Hispanic community at Heights had to say when reflecting on their cultures! Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th. During this month, we celebrate the diverse Latino and Hispanic community and recognize the importance of our history and culture.

Hispanic Heritage Month started as a week-long celebration that started under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and later became a month-long celebration under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This way, Hispanic and Latino Heritage can be celebrated and recognized longer.

What’s your favorite tradition/celebration from your culture?

“My favorite tradition/celebration is definitely the way we celebrate quinces (short for quinceañeras). It’s a very special celebration that I feel most Hispanics take really seriously and go all out, and I also love how every year in New York they have Dominican parades, which I’ve attended and are so beautiful.” -Ariany Quetel Rodriguez (12)

“My favorite tradition is Christmas. Families gather, and the food is too good. I love our music genre ‘punta’ (a high-energy rhythmic style common in Guatemalan and Honduran cultures) because it brings people together to dance and enjoy!” -Geizel Hernandez Enriquez (10)

“My favorite celebrations are Ecuaboli tournaments because you get to see a unique sport (an Ecuadorian sport similar to volleyball but featuring a higher, tighter net and played on cement) live and be close with people of similar cultures. It’s a great feeling to cheer on teams and support competitive sports.” -Ava Sinchi (11)

Who are some popular Hispanic figures that you look up to?

“[One] popular Hispanic figure I look up to would be Selena Quintanilla because she is very inspirational [and] purposeful. She was able to create amazing songs and albums in [cumbia/Latin pop], a [typically] male-dominated music genre. Selena was also able to add to the fashion industry with her creative ideas.” -Naima Montiel (10)

“One popular Hispanic figure that I look up to is Selena Quintanilla. Although she passed away, she left a huge mark [on] the Hispanic community. I can relate to her in many ways, but main[ly] that she grew up not knowing Spanish. I knew little of her story and character [at first], but after watching the show [‘Selena: The Series’ on Netflix], she inspired me in a whole new way. I assumed she knew Spanish because of her music and parents. However, I came to figure out that she actually had to learn it because of her music career. She inspires me because she demonstrates the ability to speak, learn and understand Spanish. Growing up, I never got the opportunity to learn Spanish until my middle school years. But Selena showed me that as long as you can put in the work to learn a language, it is possible.” -Carlos Bustamante (11)

“Someone I look up to of Hispanic background is [title-winning cross country runner] Danny Diaz, [portrayed by Ramiro Rodriguez] in the movie ‘McFarland, USA’ as he shows character development [and] why having higher expectations on yourself makes you a better person.” -Adrian Neri Ochoa (12)

What does being Hispanic mean to you in 2025?

“Being Hispanic, to me, means coming from a community that’s strong and hardworking and appreciating the opportunities I have now, knowing that many others don’t have them. It’s looking up to the people who came to this country and started working for a better life. Many might not want to admit it, but they help build this country to where it is now. I’m proud to say I’m from a hardworking and ambitious community because being Hispanic means being brave and working hard to get what you deserve.” – Itzel Vargas Hernandez (10)

“In 2025, being Hispanic means living each day with fear and pride. Fear is projected on our lives because of the discrimination we face for having brown skin. The way we are being minimized and how our families are being torn apart. Even though that’s been going on, Hispanics still stand with each other, showing pride. We are hardworking people who provide for our families and always want the best for them.” – Erika Merchan Astudillo (9)

“Being Hispanic in 2025 means a lot to me because I’m able to speak to others about their differences between other cultures. For example, sometimes when I speak in Spanish, I might say a word someone is unfamiliar with because I grew up learning some words in Quechua, which is my native language in Ecuador. This allows me to explain to them what the word means and learn how they say it compared to how I do.” – Cristian Ortiz Riera (12)

How do you keep your culture alive in your life?

“I keep my culture alive in my everyday life by supporting small Hispanic businesses, learning how to make traditional food, and listening to music.” -Aileen Sinchi Iñamagua (12)

“Keeping my Mexican culture alive is very important to me because it represents a part of who I am and something I will always be proud of. There are many ways I keep my Mexican culture alive, such as through the foods I eat, the music I listen to, celebrating Mexican holidays and especially speaking Spanish. My family also plays an important role in helping me maintain my roots, reminding me to always be proud of my culture wherever I am. With everything that is happening right now revolving [around] immigration, it’s even more important for me and for others to keep our culture alive. I love embracing my culture, and everyone should have the right to show their love for their culture without feeling fear.” -Noemi Ochoa Rios (12)

“In my life, I speak Spanish with my family & friends on a daily basis. At home, we always have traditional dishes, and there’s always Ecuadorian music in the background. Staying close to family traditions during the holidays or in general helps to remind [me] where my family comes from. Spending close time with my cousins and sharing story times fills us with happiness and joy.” -Maria Cordova Jaramillo (12)