Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and influence of the Hispanic community to the culture and history of the United States. Originally it was Hispanic Heritage Week but in 1988 President Ronald Reagan signed a law making it a month-long celebration. Unlike most national holiday observations Hispanic Heritage month is observed mid-month from September 15th to October 15th. September 15th was chosen as the starting date because it is the independence day of five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
As of the 2020 Census, there are 61.2 Million Hispanics within the United States. 8% of the Hispanics in the United States reside in Florida. Currently, Polk County has the 10th largest Hispanic Community in the state based on the current census reports with 27% of the population identifying as Hispanic. These numbers are important because it means more businesses are opening up, a larger workforce, more people looking for housing, more people shopping and looking for things to do locally.
How to support Hispanic-Owned Businesses
We’ve put together a resource page with locally owned and operated Hispanic-Owned Businesses in Polk County and the surrounding areas. Take a minute and check them out – you might find a new favorite.
An easy way to support local Hispanic-Owned Businesses is by buying from them. Whether it is a small or large purchase – small businesses appreciate you taking the time to shop with them. I love it when people tell me they found an event to attend or a shop to visit from the website. It makes me happy to know what I share is useful. It’s a small gesture but it means a lot.
Another way to show support is by telling others about the business. Tell your friends who they are, what they do, and if you enjoyed what they offer/sell. Word of mouth can be instrumental in helping a business grow and prosper. Lastly, engage with them on social media. I know this seems silly to some but simply liking, commenting, or even sharing social media posts can be HUGE to a small business. Polk County is big, there are so many hidden gems that it is easy to get lost in the mix.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage through food
My way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage is through food. While the foods within the Hispanic community are similar they also vary greatly. From Puerto Rican Mofongo to Cuban Sandwiches to Nicaraguan Salpicon to Mexican Tamales to Salvadorian Pupusas – food unites us all. There are many places I will happily be buying food from this month to sample all the yumminess. Bonus points for not having to cook!
This month I’m sharing some of my favorite Nicaraguan recipes. First up is a very traditional dessert, Tres Leches. . It’s a little time-consuming but worth every step.
September 17 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Eloise Resource Center
September 17 @ 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sips & Salsa at Clermont Waterfront Park
October 2 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm