Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed the month from September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, urging Texans to celebrate and recognize this month in the Lone Star State.
“Across our nation, a month is set aside to recognize and appreciate the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and manifold contributions of the Hispanic-American community,” Abbott shared in the official announcement. “At this time, I encourage all Texans to celebrate the legacy and influence of Hispanic Texans. It is of the utmost importance that we embrace the diversity of the state while reinforcing the bonds that unite us as Texans and as Americans.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15 to October 15 nationally, according to the United States Department of Education. The Department assigns a theme each year, with this year’s theme being Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities. Each week has a different focus, such as Mental Health and Wellness or Jobs and the Economy.
North Texas residents have plenty of ways to celebrate this month, WFAA reported. The cities of Dallas, Arlington, Fort Worth, and Denton will each host festivities.
The Dallas Carnival Caribbean Festival runs from September 15 to September 18, kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a parade, live music, and food vendors. There will also be a free Hispanic Heritage Festival in Dallas on October 1 at the MLK, Jr. Community Center, according to WFAA. It will feature various types of vendors, as well as activities for children and adults.
On September 17, the city of Arlington held a free concert event called the Hispanic Heritage Celebration featuring Sunny Sauceda.
Mexico en la Sangre Cultural Celebration at Cowtown Coliseum is hosted in Fort Worth on September 18, WFAA reported, with festivities at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The celebration features music, a parade, and more.
On September 22, guests can visit the Denton County Historical Commission to celebrate Denton County Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Mariachi Rosas Divinas will be in attendance as a special musical guest, says WFAA.
In the official proclamation, Abbott added that his wife is the first Hispanic First Lady of the state.
“Across Texas, Hispanic Americans hold places of prominence in their communities’ civic life,” Abbott said. “As leaders of families, schools, businesses, and industries, Hispanic Americans have helped to create the state we know and love today. From the smallest rural towns to the Governor’s Mansion, Hispanic Americans help to make Texas a beacon of prosperity, freedom, and culture, and I am especially proud that my wife Cecilia is the first Hispanic First Lady of Texas.”
Hispanic-owned businesses in the state are also thriving, according to Abbott.
“Texas also provides a business climate conducive to prosperity and growth, and Texas is the proud home of numerous thriving Hispanic-owned businesses because our cities are among the most welcoming in the nation to Hispanic entrepreneurs,” the proclamation states.
Hispanic Heritage Month can be dated back to 1968, according to the United States Department of Education, when it was recognized for a week. It was changed into a month in 1988.