Celebrating Hispanic heritage is more than just making tacos on Tuesday. It’s about honoring the impact Hispanic culture has had on our world. While Hispanic culture has given the world a more extensive variety of food, the world has also benefited from the Yo-yo, contraceptive pill, artificial heart and the first colored TV – all invented by people of Hispanic heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15 through October 15. As of the 21-22 school year, there were 8,395 Wildkats enrolled, with 3,137 being Hispanic (37.4%). As the school and community work to celebrate the ways the Hispanic culture impacts daily lives, there are numerous ways to show support. 

To show support, the administration is playing music from the Hispanic culture on the speakers in the halls.

“I really like the music,” junior Fernanda Ruiz Said. “It’s a really nice touch to hear after classes are over.

Outside of the classrooms, the Astros hosted a game September 22-24, giving away shirts and had live music and fireworks.

“I went to the Houston Astros baseball game,” junior Hanna Cano said.”It was really cool to see Hispanic culture being celebrated and things being given away.”

In the home, there are small things like decorations that help people feel more intact with their culture.

“I share my culture with people who visit my house,” sophomore SaraKally Banda said. “We put up Mexican flags, and I bake a tres leches cake for my family.”

Some people also have a big celebration to celebrate, with family and friends.

“My family celebrates with a little family dinner with food from Mexico, Honduran, Columbian, Venezuelan and more,“ senior Natalia Ballbuena said. “We also put up some decor in celebration.”

While some people in the US celebrate, everyone in Mexico celebrates. Mexico has large celebrations.

“Me and my family travel to Mexico to celebrate some years,” senior Lindsay Frias said. “There’s a festival in Cueramaro where we eat, dance, pop fireworks, and wear traditional dresses.”

For some people of Hispanic heritage, they don’t need to do anything, visit a special place, or eat a special dish. Just being themselves is enough.

“Every day of my life is celebrating Hispanic culture,” sophomore Helen Hernandez said. “I’m proud to be Hispanic and represent my culture. I’m glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves.”