Food
Originating in Central America, this staple food was first domesticated thousands of years ago by Mesoamerican civilizations before becoming the primary crop of the modern Americas.
What is corn/maize?
Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, she made history as the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice in the United States.
Who is Sonia Sotomayor?
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because it marks the shared independence anniversary of five Central American nations:
What are Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua?
This Mexican painter is celebrated worldwide for her vibrant self-portraits, bold use of color, and depictions of indigenous Mexican folk culture.
Who is Frida Kahlo?
Running down the western coast of South America through seven countries, this is the longest continental mountain range in the world.
What are the Andes Mountains?
This thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, chicharrón, or beans is considered the national dish of El Salvador.
What is a pupusa?
Born in Los Angeles to Mexican-American parents, she became the first Hispanic woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1993.
Who is Ellen Ochoa?
In 1988, this U.S. President signed the law expanding the federal observance from a single week into a full 31-day month.
Who is Ronald Reagan?
This composer, actor, and playwright created the hit Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton.
Who is Lin-Manuel Miranda?
Located off the coast of Ecuador, this volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is famous for its unique wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
What are the Galápagos Islands?
Common in coastal regions of Peru and Ecuador, this dish consists of fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices like lime or lemon and seasoned with chili peppers.
What is ceviche?
Alongside César Chávez, this civil rights pioneer and labor leader co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the UFW) and popularized the phrase "¡Sí, se puede!"
Who is Dolores Huerta?
In 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the Caribbean, landing on an island in what is now this island nation made up of over 700 islands and cays.
What is the Bahamas?
Widely considered the first modern novel, this 1605 Spanish masterpiece by Miguel de Cervantes follows an idealist nobleman and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza.
What is Don Quixote?
Located on the west coast of Central Africa, this country is the only nation on the African continent where Spanish is an official language.
What is Equatorial Guinea?
Originating in Spain, this iconic rice dish is cooked in a wide, shallow pan and traditionally flavored with saffron, olive oil, and seafood or meats.
What is paella?
Born in Puerto Rico, this award-winning actor was the first Hispanic performer to win an Academy Award, earning Best Actor for his title role in 1950's Cyrano de Bergerac.
Who is José Ferrer?
Located high in the Andes mountains of Peru, this 15th-century estate is one of the most famous surviving citadels of the Inca Empire.
What is Machu Picchu?
Originating in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay, this dramatic partner dance is known for its intricate footwork and 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm.
What is the Tango?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, this is the most common Spanish surname in the United States.
What is García?
Popular across Mexico and Central America, this rich savory sauce is made from a complex blend of chili peppers, spices, and often dark chocolate or nuts.
What is mole?
Known as the "Queen of Tejano Music," this Texas-born Mexican-American singer achieved massive crossover success before her tragic death in 1995.
Who is Selena (Selena Quintanilla)?
Venezuelan military leader Simón Bolívar, who led the independence movement against Spain across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama, is commemorated by this South American nation named in his honor.
What is Bolivia?
This award-winning Cuban-American singer was the lead vocalist of Miami Sound Machine and is known as the "Queen of Latin Pop" for hit songs like "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You."
Who is Gloria Estefan?
This Central American nation is home to a world-famous 48-mile artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
What is Panama?