CELEBRATING
by Stacey Coles
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in recognition of the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry comes from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. 1 For parents, it’s also a chance to raise kids who are curious and proud of the many cultures that make up our communities, whether you’re celebrating your heritage or honoring someone else’s. For kids, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) research shows that when they are exposed to different cultures early on, it actually helps their brains grow in really cool ways. They get better at thinking outside the box, seeing things from different points of view, and coming up with creative solutions. Plus, learning about other languages and traditions can boost their vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills— tools they'll use for life, both in and out of the classroom. 2 There are just under 57,000 Hispanics/Latinos living in Anne Arundel County. 3 No matter your culture or ethnicity, celebrating and learning about Hispanic heritage can be beneficial and have lasting positive impacts on how your family navigates society. The best part is that Anne Arundel County has plenty of opportunities for your family to tap into these benefits. HOW TO CELEBRATE LOCALLY Participate in the Hispanic Heritage Awards On October 10, 2024, the Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources (OHLMR) hosted the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Awards to celebrate the contributions of the Anne Arundel County Hispanic community. The event honored 23 Hispanic and Latino residents in leadership, education, public service, arts, and business categories. Visit the aacounty.org calendar to find out details about this year's event. Utilize Resources and Attend Events Hosted by the Library The Anne Arundel County Public Library offers resources and hosts events to help your family explore and celebrate Hispanic heritage. From bilingual storytimes and Loterîa
board games to dance performances and crafts, there’s a cultural experience for everyone to enjoy. Stream movies featuring Hispanic actors and films highlighting history and achievements in the arts and media using Kanopy. Learn about LatinX and Hispanic cinema, theatre, art, and more using the Fine Arts database, or delve into the lives of historical and contemporary Hispanic Americans like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, John Leguizamo, Rudolfo Anaya, and Gloria Anzaldúa using the Biography database. Plus, check out your next read from a curated list of books written by Hispanic American authors. Support Locally-Owned Hispanic Restaurants What better way to indulge in the culture than to dine around Annapolis! You can enjoy great food while supporting local Hispanic business owners. Caliente Grill in Annapolis serves everything from ceviche to churros and offers both dine-in and catering options. Jalapeños, a local favorite, is known for its traditional Spanish and Mexican dishes served in a warm, family-owned setting. Over on Forest Drive, Mi Lindo Canc ún Grill mixes Mexican fare with Latin American fusion, while Picante Cocina Mexicana brings generations-old recipes to life thanks to owner Fernando Juarez's Oaxacan roots. Just outside the city, Pitaya Mexican Restaurant in Severna Park delivers fresh, colorful meals that have made it a community favorite. For a more casual option, Señor’s Chile serves up authentic flavors! Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino communities. Getting involved as a family helps build appreciation for diversity and offers a chance to learn more about the influences that have shaped our everyday lives. It’s also a fun and meaningful way to connect with others and spark curiosity in kids about the world around them. Sources: 1. Library of Congress. “About National Hispanic Heritage Month.” HispanicHeritageMonth.gov. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about.html. 2. Papilio Early Learning. “How Learning about Different Cultures Boosts Child Development.” Papilio Early Learning News. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://papilio.com.au/news/how- learning-about-different-cultures-boosts-child-development. 3. Anne Arundel County Government. “Hispanic Heritage Month.” Anne Arundel County Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.aacounty.org/county- executive/oehr/special-observances/hhm#:~:text=Hispanic%20Heritage%20Month%2C%20 which%20is,and%20contributions%20of%20Hispanic%20Americans.
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