6 ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Now that it’s Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), it’s time to celebrate! President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this 30-day period into law in 1968 and since then, communities throughout the U.S. have been celebrating in various ways. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the independence of 5 Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Here at AVANCE, we happen to have families and teachers from each of those countries.

So, in honor of AVANCE family, here are 6 ways to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month:

1. Read a bilingual book to a small child, and improve their pre-literacy skills.
   Check out these great options here!
2. Learn how John Quinones, who grew up in San Antonio to a family of migrant workers became an award winning journalist who overcame obstacles as a Latino journalist in the Television and Journalism industry. The host of ABC’s “What Would You Do?” will be the keynote speaker at our Annual Luncheon on October 19 at the Four Seasons. You don’t want to miss it!
3. Visit the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and check out their FREE educational workshops! They even have free yoga en español.
4. Decorate your space with papeles picados. 
5. Create your own Heritage album
   In AVANCE’s educational toy-making class, parents make their own Family Portrait Book to teach their young children about their heritage. You can even browse the Smithsonian’s Latino Kid’s Center for more inspiration!
6. Come to AVANCE-Austin’s Annual Luncheon:Because AVANCE Changes Everything! and celebrate hundreds of success stories in the Austin community.