Famous People
The 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the United States.
Xavier Becerra
A Mexican food consisting of a small corn or wheat tortilla topped with a filling
Taco
This is considered the most popular sport in most Hispanic countries.
Futbol (Soccer)
Observed by Catholic Hispanics across the world during the week leading up to Easter.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
In 2009 this woman became the first Hispanic and Latina appointed to serve on the Supreme Court.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Co-Founder of United Farm Workers & 1994 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Cesar Chavez
A dish that originated in Mesoamerica around 8,000-5,000 BC, and is cooked via steaming in either a corn husk or banana leaf
Tamale
A traditional event celebrating a girl's 15th birthday.
Quinceañera
This September 15th holiday marks the liberation of Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua from the Spanish. Mexico's falls on the 16th, and Chile's on the 18th.
Dia de la independencia (Independence Day)
The Spanish Civil War was fought between these years.
1936-1939
This composer of Puerto Rican descent wrote the soundtracks to various Disney movies and Broadway musicals.
Lin Manuel Miranda
A Caribbean baked puff pastry filled with sweet (ex. guava and cheese) or savory (ex. ham and cheese) filling.
Pastelito
With 329 million native speakers, Spanish ranks this place in world languages spoken as the first language.
2nd
This date marks the end of the Christmas season. Children in Latin America are typically given gifts on this day instead of Christmas, and leave their shoes out in preparation of 3 biblical visitors.
Dia de los tres reyes magos (Three Kings' Day/Epiphany)
The year that the current Chilean Constitution was ratified.
1980
This Colombian singer's hips don't lie!
Shakira
A starchy root vegetable cultivated by the indigenous peoples of the Andes 7,000-10,000 years ago
Potato
Originating in Cuba, this dance evolved from the Cuban Triple Mambo.
Cha Cha
A indigenous celebration of the winter solstice to honor the Inca sun god, Inti
Inti Raymi
During this century, most Latin American countries gained independence from Spain or Portugal.
19th Century
Known as "la Reina de la Salsa" (The Queen of Salsa)
Celia Cruz
A dish originating in Spain, consisting of a whole pig roasted over charcoal, that is popular in Latin America, especially during the holiday season.
Lechón
The three largest ancient civilizations in Latin America.
The Aztec, Mayans, & Incas.
Celebrated annually in Mexico from November 1 - November 2, this holiday honors the deceased.
Dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead)
At the recommendation of Congressman George E Brown, Hispanic Heritage Week which later became Hispanic Heritage Month was founded in this decade.
1960's