Annually, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens who trace their ancestors from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Hispanic Heritage Week began under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was expanded under President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to encompass a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the start date because of its significance as the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Hispanic-Latinos are now the largest racial minority in the U.S., comprised of roughly 50.5 million people — about 16.3 percent of the total U.S. population. Census Bureau data projects that the Hispanic population as of July 1, 2050, will be 132.8 million, or 30 percent of the total population. According to the data, this represents a 43 percent increase from April 1, 2000 and April 1, 2010, making Hispanics the fastest growing minority group.
The Hispanic-Latino population in Florida is the third largest in the nation. Florida’s Hispanic community represents 16 percent of the eligible voters. The Hispanic-Latino group is not monolithic, either — Cubans represent 32 percent of Florida’s eligible Hispanic voters, whereas Puerto Ricans comprise 28 percent and Mexicans account for 9 percent. Taking a different view, the nation’s Hispanic-Latino voting demographics represent 59 percent Mexican, 14 percent Puerto Rican and 5 percent Cuban, according to the Center for American Progress.
The Chamber of Hispanic Affairs in Gainesville cordially invites you to our most notable program: the annual Downtown Latino Festival, which takes place at the Downtown Community Plaza every September during National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year the 12th Annual Downtown Latino Festival will take place Sept. 28 from 12 to 8 p.m.
The festival will celebrate the positive contributions and achievements of the Latino community. It is a chance for Gainesville residents to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Chamber of Hispanic Affairs. We strive to connect the Hispanic population and greater community with resources such as health awareness, disease testing, non-profits, community resources and more. The festival’s attendance has usually been between 1,000 to 3,000 people every year.
The event will include food vendors, informational booths, cultural performances and live music. The festival is free and open to the public.
For more information on the Hispanic-Latino U.S. population, visit http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/cb11ff-18_hispanic.pdf.
If you would like more information on the festival, please email chamberofhispanicaffairs@gmail.com.
David J. Ruiz is the director of the 12th Annual Downtown Latino Festival. A version of this column ran on page 7 on 9/10/2013 under the headline "Celebrate Nat’l Hispanic Heritage Month"
