The school year is well underway, and it seems like there’s always something new being thrown your way! If you’re a teacher, parent, or even homeschooling your children, the different celebrations can quickly add up!
Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15 to October 15!
That’s why I wanted to share 10 ideas for how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which are simple and honor the beautiful, rich diversity of the culture.
1) Move to the music! 🎶
Play a short song or piece of music from a different Spanish-speaking country each day. Think: Salsa from Cuba, Mariachi from Mexico, Bachata from the Dominican Republic—let students dance or clap along.
2) Involve students in doing “Culture Spotlights”
Highlight Hispanic or Latino historical figures, artists, or leaders (Frida Kahlo, Celia Cruz, César Chávez, Ellen Ochoa, etc.). Middle school and high school students can participate in researching and presenting key figures!
➡️ Extra Tip: For younger students, keep it simple: Display a photo, read a short bio, or play a short clip about them.
3) Art with Meaning 🎨
Invite students to recreate or draw inspiration from famous Hispanic artists, such as Diego Rivera or Carmen Lomas Garza. You can provide coloring pages or blank paper and talk about what their art represents.
4) Read aloud a book from a Hispanic author!
Choose one or two children’s books or short stories that celebrate Hispanic culture. I suggest Abuela by Arthur Dorros!
➡️ Extra Tip: Ask students what they learned about the character’s culture or traditions.
5) Cultural Connections Map
Display a large world map and mark all 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Have students pick one to learn a quick fact about (flag, capital, or famous person).
6) Spanish Word of the Day 💬
Teach one simple Spanish word or phrase daily — like gracias (thank you), familia (family), or amistad (friendship). To make it fun, you can have students use the word throughout the day or include it in their morning message.
7) “Heritage in Our Community” Wall 📸
Encourage students or families to share photos or stories about their own heritage or a Hispanic person who inspires them. Keep it inclusive and celebration-focused — everyone can participate by honoring cultural diversity.
8) Acts of Appreciation ❤️
Discuss the value of familia, comunidad, and respeto — core cultural values in many Hispanic traditions. Invite students to write thank-you notes or kind messages inspired by those themes to someone in their life.
9) Mini Research Project or “Did You Know?” Corner 🧠
Have students create a short poster or digital slide about a Hispanic country, festival, or invention.
10) Culture Through Food (Safely!) 🍴
Show photos or short videos about traditional dishes (like empanadas, tamales, or arepas) and discuss how food connects people to heritage. Let families share favorite recipes on a classroom or homeschool bulletin board.
However you choose to celebrate, I wish you and your students a happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Your friend,
Vimbo
—
Vimbo Watson, M.Ed. is a speaker, professional development provider, education expert, former school principal, and national speaker on school culture, burnout recovery, and transformational leadership. She is also an active Navy spouse, named the AFI 2025 Washington Navy Yard Spouse of the Year. She helps educators and organizations build better systems where people don’t just survive—they thrive.
