Photo courtesy of Andrea Yu
Every fall during the Prayers of the People, students and faculty gather in Chapel to honor Hispanic historical figures for Hispanic Heritage Month. The informative slide deck created for Chapel is only a fraction of the celebration at EA. From the activities of the Hispanic Latinx Student Alliance (HLSA) to the study of the Spanish language, there are opportunities for EA students to commemorate Hispanic culture everywhere.
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the heritage of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States. Running from September 15 to October 15, the month begins with the independence anniversaries of many Caribbean countries, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The scope of Hispanic Heritage Month has grown to observe and celebrate the impacts of both ancestrally Spanish-speaking Hispanic and Latin American (or Latinx) groups.
Although Hispanic Heritage Month is a shared celebration, Hispanic heritage encompasses a wide range of distinct cultures. Hispanic and Latinx communities exist in diverse places around the world, and the month creates space for the many different traditions under that umbrella. The traditions of someone from Argentina may look different from those of someone from Peru, but it’s important to celebrate the way that these cultures have interacted and impacted our world. US Spanish teacher Pamela Rudolph highlights, “For me, [Hispanic Heritage Month] is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible diversity that we have among the Spanish-speaking world because there’s so many of us and there’s so many differences in how we do things and how we were brought up and the culture and traditions that we have.”
These diverse experiences are not just limited within the month; culture can manifest in many different ways. For Gabriella Chirinos ’28—a student leader of the HLSA—Hispanic culture can be experienced through dishes: “Maybe my mom’s not Hispanic, but she’ll cook different dishes that my Dad’s family has introduced to her.” Chirinos’ family dishes like lomo saltado and pollo al brazo may be an ordinary part of life, but they serve as a connection to culture in the day-to-day.
Traditions do not necessarily need to be formal or celebratory to have significant meaning. Ultimately, their significance comes from their long-lasting nature and the connections and history they represent. Music, too, can be a way to call attention to the contributions of Hispanic culture. Chirinos points to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime performance, which represented the many different countries of the North American continent under the Hispanic/Latinx umbrella. Chirinos says, “I think that was a good way to show how countries can unite.”
Traditions also come in the form of holidays. For Viviana Sanchez ’27, the tradition of Día de los Muertos is incredibly important. “Honoring the dead is a special thing for anyone; it shows that even though a loved one is dead, their memories and spirit remain ever present,” Sanchez notes. Another beloved celebration is the Puerto Rican Carnaval de Vejigantes. “Everyone is encouraged to make their own mask out of papier-mache with vibrant colors,” Sanchez explains. “We also dance the traditional Bomba dance with loud music through the streets. These masks are said to ward off evil spirits from your life to welcome in a new year.”
It’s important to remember that appreciating Hispanic Heritage Month is not limited to those who identify under its umbrella. Participation does not require extensive knowledge or personal connection, just a curiosity and willingness to show up, because the ultimate goal is to show appreciation for the cultures and identities of others. US Spanish teacher Cari Cloud says, “It’s about being welcoming and open to others,” while encouraging students to engage with Hispanic culture through activities. A simple way to celebrate is through the activities of HSLA, such as “informing lower school students with stories and songs about Hispanic traditions and the importance of different cultures.”
Even for students who miss the activities, there are still opportunities to engage with culture throughout the year. For example, Tyler Forbes ’28 has noted his engagement with Hispanic culture through his interest in Colombian food and his study of the Spanish language. “I think the Spanish language is beautiful. It’s one of the best languages out there. Everybody I’ve met that’s Spanish and Hispanic is super nice.” When asked about his favorite Hispanic food, Forbes comments, “Colombian arepas… It’s a cheese pancake, and it’s really good.”
This year, the national theme for the 2026 observance of Hispanic Heritage Month is “Unidos, Somos Más” (“Together, We Are More”). It’s important to recognize the unity behind Hispanic Heritage Month. Although the month represents a broad range of cultures and identities, the national celebration calls for a unified celebration of the contributions of everyone, regardless of their creed. While Hispanic Heritage Month is only a fraction of the year, appreciating Hispanic identity does not have to remain limited. Rudolph notes that “Even though it’s this month, it’s not just the month. It can extend to the whole year…We can let our light shine while also making space for other people’s lights to shine.” As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, it’s imperative to remember to show up for each other, remain curious, and ultimately lead towards the appreciation of each other, year-round.