Reflection for September 2025
September 15th – October 15th: Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a sacred opportunity to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. As a proud Indigenous Mexican American woman, I see this month as a time to reclaim narratives that have long been overlooked, especially those of our Indigenous roots that pulse beneath the surface of mainstream Hispanic identity. It’s a moment to celebrate not just the vibrant colors of our culture, but the deep wisdom, resilience, and spiritual richness of the original peoples of Mexico whose traditions still guide us today.
Too often, Hispanic Heritage Month is painted with broad strokes that blur the diversity within our communities. But I stand here to say: our Indigenous heritage is not a footnote—it is the foundation. My ancestors were not just part of history; they shaped it. From the Nahua and Mixtec to the Zapotec and Maya, their languages, rituals, and philosophies continue to echo in our prayers, our foods, our dances, and our sense of community. To honor Hispanic Heritage Month fully, we must uplift these voices and ensure they are not lost in the shadows of colonization or assimilation.
This month also invites us to educate others about the distinctions between key cultural holidays—especially the difference between Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day. Many in the U.S. confuse the two, often reducing Cinco de Mayo to a commercialized celebration of tacos and tequila. In truth, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican forces triumphed over the French army. It’s a symbol of resistance and unlikely victory, particularly celebrated in Puebla, but not Mexico’s national independence day.
Mexican Independence Day, on the other hand, is celebrated on September 16th and marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spanish colonial rule in 1810. It was ignited by the Grito de Dolores, a powerful call to arms by Father Miguel Hidalgo, and it represents the birth of a sovereign nation. For Indigenous Mexican Americans, this day holds layered meaning—it’s a celebration of liberation, but also a reminder of the complex legacy of colonialism that impacted our ancestors long before 1810.
And Mexico is not alone. Hispanic Heritage Month spans September 15th to October 15th in part because so many Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this time. On September 15th alone, five nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—commemorate their freedom from Spanish rule in 1821. Chile follows on September 18th, and Belize on September 21st. Earlier in the summer, Colombia celebrates on July 20th, Peru on July 28th, and Bolivia on August 6th. Argentina marks its independence on July 9th, and Venezuela on July 5th. Each of these dates represents a unique story of struggle, resistance, and hope—a shared legacy of liberation that binds us across borders.
As I reflect on these holidays, I’m reminded that true celebration comes with truth-telling. It’s not enough to wave flags or wear festive attire—we must also educate, contextualize, and honor the deeper stories. That’s why I choose to write this month’s reflection so my voice shares the richness of our Indigenous heritage and clarifies the historical significance of these dates. When we understand the difference between Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day—and when we recognize the independence days of our Latin American siblings—we begin to see the broader tapestry of Hispanic history with greater clarity and respect.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to amplify pride, but also to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. It’s a time to say: we are not a monolith. We are Afro-Latinos, Indigenous peoples, mestizos, immigrants, and descendants of revolutionaries. We are spiritual, intellectual, artistic, and resilient. And we deserve to be seen in our full complexity—not just during this month, but every day.
So I stand in this season with gratitude and conviction. I honor my ancestors by speaking their names, sharing their stories, and living with the dignity they fought for. I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month not just with music and food, but with reflection, education, and love. And I invite others to join me—not just in celebration, but in transformation.
Erica Rios is a member of Morongo Moravian Church and the MCNP Racial Justice Team.
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