Did you know that, among the 50 states, New Mexico’s population has the highest percentage of Hispanic ancestry? With such rich cultural diversity in New Mexico, it’s no wonder we take celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month seriously. This month, we enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of our heritage—and everyone is invited to join in!

When is National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated in New Mexico? September 15 through October 15. The month begins on Sept. 15 because the date marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American Countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this month.

Facts About New Mexico’s Hispanic Population:

• 47% of the state’s population is Hispanic or Latino.
• New Mexico is one of 16 states with a Hispanic population of more than half a million people.
• About 2/3 of Albuquerque Public Schools’ student population is Hispanic.
• Of the state’s Hispanic population, 83% were born in the U.S., while 17% were born outside the U.S.
• More than 28% of New Mexico’s population speaks Spanish at home.

How Can YOU Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?

Enjoy Latin American Music

To kick off the month-long celebration, take in some Latin American music at the Music From the Americas Concert Series. The spotlight in this concert series centers on Edison Quintana, one of the greatest Uruguayan pianists of all time. Quintana will perform piano music from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Uruguay and the USA. This  incredible performance takes place Sept. 17 at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre. Tickets are just $12!

Enter a Youth Art Contest

Know a budding artist? Encourage him or her to enter the Youth Art Contest held by the Sandia National Laboratories Hispanic Leadership Outreach Committee. This year’s theme is “Honoring our Heritage. Building our Future.” Kids can submit paintings, drawings and photographs, and prizes will be awarded for elementary, middle and high school categories. You can enter your artwork at the Main, Cherry Hills and Taylor Ranch Libraries in Albuquerque on Sept. 18 through Sept. 21.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day!

If you’re going to enjoy only one celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, make sure it’s La Independencia de Mexico! Mexican Independence Day is one of the most important celebrations to take place during Hispanic Heritage Month. You can Celebrate La Independencia de Mexico at Ragle Park in Santa Fe on Sept. 20 from 4-9 p.m., where you’ll enjoy live music, Mexican cuisine and the Ceremony of El Grito. This event occurs simultaneously in Mexico City and all of the Mexican Consulates and Embassies around the world. Chido!

Learn About Pedro E. Guerro’s Photographs

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in New Mexico, The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe is screening a new American Masters documentary called Pedro E. Guerro: A Photographer’s Journey, on Sept. 27 from 2-3:30 p.m. Pedro E. Guerro is best known for his collaborations with Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson. This event is FREE!

Make Sugar Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Hispanic heritage than making Hispanic art! On Oct. 1, the National Hispanic Cultural Center invites adults to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos by mixing, molding and decorating sugar skulls during HAH! Happy Arte Hour. This is a fun, relaxed event that features chips, salsa and a cash bar. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about the event or to register, call Elena Baca at (505) 246-2261 ext. 167, or e-mail [email protected].

Want more? The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce has an excellent calendar of events for Hispanic Heritage Month. Salud!

Have an event that you would like to add? Let us know in the comments!