The University of New Mexico is joining communities nationwide in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to recognize the contributions Hispanic Americans make to society. 

Hispanic Heritage Month originated in the late 1960s. In 1968, Congress passed a law designating Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, Congress amended the law, expanding the designation to a month. Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The dates signify a 30-day period during which five Latin American countries celebrated their independence – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. 

Across The University of New Mexico, students, faculty and staff can see the influence of Hispanic culture – from food to architecture. These contributions will be further celebrated at events, discussions and presentations throughout the next month.

Hispanic Heritage Month Schedule

UNM Activities:

Sept. 18 | Cornell Mall | Noon – 1 p.m.
Mariachi Noontime Performance hosted by ASUNM Student Special Events

Sept. 23 | Latin American Iberian Institute | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Latin American Iberian Institute disscussion explores 170 years since the opening of Mexican consulate in New Mexico

Oct. 2 | Cornell Mall | Noon – 1 p.m.
Green Chile Roast with Bueno Foods and Cheeseburgers for purchase by UNM Food & Aztec Dance Performance hosted by ASUNM Student Special Events

Oct. 15 | SUB Ballrooms | Time TBD
Hispanic Heritage Closing Event: an evening of music, spoken work and dance 
 

Community Activities 

Sept. 12 | Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Heritage Awards. To purchase tickets call (505) 842-9003 or visit www.ahcnm.org

Sept. 15 | Albuquerque Old Town Plaza | 1 -7 p.m.
The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Albuquerque will be hosting an event of dance and musical performances in the community to celebrate the kick-off to Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sept. 20 – 23 | Art in STEM Hispanic Heritage Month Contest
To get students from K-12 involved and interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through art. This annual contest inspires students to be creative while using art to promote STEM. 

DEADLINE: Sept. 23, 2019.
THEME: What STEM problems do you want to solve or see solved someday?

More information:
Elizabeth Lopez, 845-9709, emlope@sandia.gov
Erin Akinnikawe, 845-9097, emakinn@sandia.gov

Oct. 4 | Albuquerque High School | 4 – 7 p.m.
Albuquerque Public Schools Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month  
Join APS staff, students and families from K-12th for an evening of art, entertainment and food. The celebration is to recognize the contributions and vital presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. Free event open to the public.