DENTON, Texas — The University of North Texas (UNT) is preparing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. This federally recognized month honors the contributions of Hispanic Americans and highlights the diverse cultures of Latin America. Established in 1968 and expanded to a full month in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans. The month’s starting date, September 15, marks the anniversary of the Mexican War of Independence, and also coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Throughout the month, UNT will host a variety of events and activities to celebrate. UNT Dining Services will offer its award-winning Hispanic Heritage Month menu, featuring traditional Latin American dishes every Friday. This initiative recently earned recognition from the National Association of College & University Food Services for promoting cultural diversity.
The UNT Department of Spanish will also be hosting several events, starting with an Exposition of Cultures on September 17, where students can explore different Spanish-speaking countries, enjoy snacks, participate in raffles, and listen to live music. Other planned activities include dance performances, linguistic workshops, and a focus on indigenous writing. The month will culminate in a traditional Folklórico dance performance on October 14.
Several student organizations, including the university’s chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, will be actively involved in the celebration. The group plans to host a Mexican lotería event on September 23, conducted entirely in Spanish, and other events throughout the month to help students practice the language and engage with Hispanic culture.
UNT Spanish lecturer Connie Martinez, who serves as the faculty advisor for Sigma Delta Pi, reflected on her personal experiences with different cultural traditions. Originally from Spain, Martinez noted the stark differences in how death is observed in Spain compared to Mexican traditions like Día de Los Muertos, an experience that sparked her interest in teaching and connecting students with Hispanic culture.
Students involved in the university’s Spanish program and cultural clubs also expressed their appreciation for the inclusive and educational environment. Members of the Spanish Club, including biology major Kausar Fatima and fashion merchandising sophomore Amber Johnson, emphasized the benefits of engaging with the language and culture outside the classroom. The club will host various meetings and events centered around Hispanic cultural foods and traditions throughout the month.
With a range of events planned, UNT’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations aim to promote cultural awareness, language learning, and community engagement across campus.