Latin American Heritage Month: Honoring Culture, Diversity, and Legacy
Every year from September 15 to October 15, Latin American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the rich history, contributions, and cultures of Latin American communities. It’s a time to recognize the impact that Latin American people have had – and continue to have – on countries around the world.
What is Latin American Heritage Month?
Latin American Heritage Month overlaps with National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States and celebrates the histories, cultures, and achievements of people with roots in Latin American countries. This includes Mexico, Central and South America, and parts of the Caribbean.
These dates were chosen because many Latin American countries celebrate their independence days during this time:
- September 15: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
- September 16: Mexico
- September 18: Chile
- September 21: Belize
This month-long celebration highlights the traditions, languages, arts, music, food, and stories that shape Latin American identity and strengthen communities abroad.
Why does Latin American Heritage Month matter?
For millions of Latin Americans living outside their home countries, this month is a chance to:
- Celebrate cultural pride through festivals, parades, and events
- Share traditions, stories, and music with friends and neighbors
- Reflect on contributions Latin Americans have made in science, literature, art, sports, and business
- Strengthen connections to family and heritage
How do people celebrate Latin American Heritage Month?
Community events
Cities host cultural festivals with traditional dances like salsa, bachata, merengue, samba, and tango. Music concerts feature reggaeton, mariachi, cumbia, and Latin pop, bringing people together to celebrate.
Food and cuisine
Families and restaurants prepare signature dishes such as Mexican mole, Peruvian ceviche, Brazilian feijoada, Colombian arepas, Salvadoran pupusas, and Argentinian asado. Food is one of the most powerful ways Latin Americans share their culture.
Storytelling and history
Schools and cultural centers hold storytelling events, film screenings, and exhibitions showcasing Latin American authors, filmmakers, and leaders.
Recognizing leaders
Communities honor Latin Americans who have made a significant impact, from Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez to civil rights activist César Chávez.
The importance of sending money home
For many families in Latin America, money sent from relatives abroad is essential. These transfers help cover:
- Household costs such as food, utilities, and rent
- Education expenses like school fees, books, and tuition
- Medical costs, including treatments, insurance, and emergencies
- Small business investments to support family-owned shops or farms
Sending money to Latin America with Paysend
At Paysend, we understand how important it is to support your loved ones back home. With Paysend, you can:
- Send money instantly* to bank cards, accounts, and digital wallets
- Pay low, transparent fees with no hidden costs
- Transfer securely with bank-level encryption and full regulation
- Send to over 100 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru
Sending money helps families stay strong and connected, especially during important cultural moments like Latin American Heritage Month.
*Your money will be sent in real time; however, transfer delivery times may vary based on recipient bank processing, compliance checks, or other factors.
Key takeaways
- Latin American Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15
- It celebrates the histories, independence days, and cultural contributions of Latin American countries
- It is a time to connect with family, traditions, and cultural pride
- Sending money home plays an important role in keeping families supported and thriving
Whether you’re celebrating by cooking your favorite childhood dishes, dancing to traditional music, or simply spending time with family, Latin American Heritage Month is a reminder of your roots and the people you care about. Paysend is proud to support Latin American communities around the world by making it easy to send money home quickly, affordably, and securely.
Ready to send money to Latin America? Download the Paysend app today and stay connected with those who matter most.
The educational materials on this site are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions of Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC. Educational materials may contain links to content on third-party websites which are provided for your convenience; please note that linked sites may have a privacy and security policy different from our own, and we cannot attest to the accuracy of information. The Central Bank of Kansas City does not guarantee nor expressly endorse any particular business, product, service, or third-party content.
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Every year from September 15 to October 15, Latin American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the rich history, contributions, and cultures of Latin American communities. It’s a time to recognize the impact that Latin American people have had – and continue to have – on countries around the world.
