In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Twenty years later, Congress extended this recognition into an annual month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.
In honor of this year's National Hispanic Heritage Month, Smithsonian.com discusses the origins and impact of Latin jazz with musician Bobby Sanabria and revisits the works of Daniel Alarcon, James De La Vega, Graciela Iturbide and Vallenato artists in Colombia. In addition, Smithsonian.com offers a list of festivals, concerts and lectures at the Smithsonian Institution and throughout the country.
Harlem Transformed: the Photos of Camilo José Vergara
For decades, the photographer has documented the physical and cultural changes in Harlem and other American urban communities
By Jamie Katz
The 'Secret Jews' of San Luis Valley
In Colorado, the gene linked to a virulent form of breast cancer found mainly in Jewish women is discovered in Hispanic Catholics
By Jeff Wheelwright
Debating Louis Castro
Was he the first foreign-born Hispanic in the Major Leagues?
By Ian Herbert
Dispatches From Colombia
Colombians are hopeful about the future even though their past has been marred by violent conflict
By Smithsonian.com
Spanish Harlem’s Hero
Guerilla artist James De La Vega uses art to create dialogue
By Colin Fleming
Food & Fun
A Brief History of Chocolate
Uncover the bittersweet story of this ancient treat and watch a VIDEO
By Amanda Bensen
Quinoa, the Mother of Grains
Quinoa (say it: keen-wah) may sound new and exotic to many Americans, but it’s actually been around for at least 5,000 years.
By Amanda Bensen
The Folklife Festival is Back on the Mall!
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is back—that ten-day celebration that has been happening on the National Mall since 1968.
By Jesse Rhodes
Explore More Hispanic Heritage
-
Rhythm and Identity
A Q&A with Bobby Sanabria, musician, composer and professor of Latin jazz
-
A Musical Melting Pot
Vallenato artists combine instruments from around the world at Colombian music festival
-
The Juchitan Medusa
Photographer Graciela Iturbide’s Our Lady of the Iguanas became a symbol of Zapotec womanhood
-
The World of Alarcon
Novelist Daniel Alarcon immerses himself in the dark side of Peruvian society
Advertisement
Digg
StumbleUpon
Share
RedditCalendar of Events
|
At the SmithsonianCelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Smithsonian Institution |
|
Around the CountryLearn about Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in your state |
Viva Mexico
|
Explore Mexico Now »The Mexico Tourism Board invites you to learn about the culture, cuisine and heritage of Mexico. |
