Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2023
Through October 15, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by inviting our members to learn more about the rich cultural heritage, histories, and traditions of the Latine and Hispanic American communities in our region and across the country. Girl Scouts of all levels can earn the ¡Yo soy una Girl Scout! Fun Patch by completing activities that honor the culture and contributions of these communities. See below for more resources to help your Girl Scout dive into Latine and Hispanic American stories, discoveries, art, history, and more.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. The celebration starts mid-month because September 15 marks the independence anniversary of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. It is followed by Mexico's Independence Day on September 16 Chile's on September 18. Another important date that falls within this 30-day period is Día de la Raza, or Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on October 12. During this month-long celebration, we honor the cultural richness and contributions of all people in the U.S. whose ancestors came from Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain.
Watch this kid-friendly video to get a better understanding of this cultural celebration.
How do I earn the fun patch?
Girl Scouts can complete a specific
number of themed patch activities required for their program grade
level to earn the ¡Yo soy una Girl Scout! Fun Patch. The sew-on patch
can then be purchased at GirlScoutShop.org
Resources to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Month
Here are some great ways to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month with your Girl Scout or troop.
Attend a Local Event that Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Twin Cities
September 16: Fiesta Latina - Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio [Saint Paul]
Fiesta Latina is a free community festival for the whole family celebrating Latino culture through arts, food, entertainment, health and community resources, sports activities and more! Enjoy a day full of fun and resources at CLUES St. Paul. Girl Scouts River Valleys staff will be there, make sure you visit us!
Learn more
September 17: Hispanic Heritage Celebration – Minnesota Zoo [Apple Valley]
Plan a day at the Zoo and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Minnesota Zoo. A day for all ages, featuring live performances, local artisans, and vendors, and more! This event is a Zoo-wide celebration and is included with your daytime admission ticket for a September 17th visit.
Learn more
September 21: Latinx Heritage Month – Corn Tortillas and More [Minneapolis]
Join Seward Community CO-OP for a celebration of Latinx history, culture, and tasty food that can be vegetarian or vegan. Participants will learn about the history of tortillas while making scratch-made quesadillas and roasted jalapeño salsa.
Learn more
October 5: Feeding Our Souls - The Essence of Latino Joy [Saint Paul]
The aroma of inviting cuisine continues to fill the halls of the Minnesota Humanities Center as in commemoration of Latino Cultural Heritage Month through food. Two of Minnesota’s highly recognized chefs and/or cooks will prepare and serve comfort foods from their rich culture. Audience participants will have a chance to partake in the flavors through engaging “taste circles” of the delectables and share memories of the power of food from their own experiences.
Learn more
November 5: Reinas de la Pista at the Wilder Center [Saint Paul]
Although outside of the traditional Hispanic Heritage Month timeframe, you can keep celebrating with this event hosted by Girl Scouts River Valleys. Grades K-5 are invited to join us as we highlight Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Selena, and other Latina voices of the music world! Participants will learn about these trailblazing and powerful women, their stories, and the impact they made on Latin music. You’ll also take to the dance floor and learn some dance moves and choreography. Como dice Celia, Azúcar!
Learn more
Further Afield
September 16: Latino Fest [Rochester]
This vibrant celebration will take place both inside the historic Chateau Theater and outdoors at the Peace Plaza, promising an unforgettable experience for all! Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other! Savor the delectable flavors of traditional Latino cuisine. From tantalizing gorditas to mouthwatering mangonadas, your taste buds are in for an absolute treat!
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September 16: Mes de la Herencia Hispana – Celebración 2023 [Northfield]
Brought to you by the Northfield Public Library, you will find dancing, music, food, beer and art. This 2023 Hispanic Heritage Celebration has a zero-waste goal.
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September 22: Latin Music and Food Fest [Chaska]
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Chaska, Minnesota! Enjoy a night of dancing, dining, and drinks in a family-friendly environment! The event is free to attend and open to the public.
Learn more
Read a Book about Hispanic /Latine Americans
Explore and read a book from this recommendation of nine children’s books for National Hispanic Heritage Month from Anti Defamation League. You will find interesting stories that talk about the lives, heritage, and challenges of Hispanic and Latine Americans.
Learn more
Take a Virtual Tour
Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino online. On the Smithsonian website of the Molina Family Latino, you can take a 360 self-guided virtual tour or explore an interactive map of the gallery. The gallery includes the exhibition ¡Presente!, which invites virtual visitors to reexamine what they know about U.S. history by learning more about Latino identity, immigration, historical legacies, and how Latinas and Latinos have shaped the nation.
Learn more
Watch Films That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Here is a list of kids' movies and TV shows featuring Latine characters that will help Latine kids feel seen and important while helping non-Latine kids learn about some of the things that make Latine culture so beautiful. This kid friendly selection of movies can be found in your favorite streaming aps.
Learn more
Attend a Virtual Event
Sep 22 – Oct 13: Festival Fridays [Online]
Join Latinx Kidlit Book Festival LIVE from your home for Festival Fridays starting September 22 through October 13! Meet your favorite Latinx creators of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, poetry, comic books and graphic novels!
Enjoy four Fridays (September 22, September 29, October 6, and October 13) of creative language arts and visual arts content for students of all ages.
Learn more
