By Georgina Palencia.
Every year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a period dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of the Hispanic community.
This heritage has left profound marks not only in culture but also in language, gastronomy, the arts, and much more. For Spanish learners and those interested in Hispanic culture, this is an ideal time to discover how the richness of this heritage has shaped the country’s cultural and linguistic landscape.
Hispanic influence in the United States has historical roots that go back to the 16th century when the first Spanish explorers and settlers arrived in what is now Florida, Texas, California, and New Mexico. The settlement of St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565, is the oldest European settlement in U.S. territory. Since then, the Hispanic presence has been a constant, influencing the development of these regions and leaving an indelible mark on the country’s history.
Over the centuries, this presence has diversified with the arrival of migrants from different Spanish-speaking countries. In the 19th century, following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), territories such as California, Arizona, and New Mexico were incorporated into the United States, bringing not only vast land but also millions of people of Mexican descent. This event marked a turning point in history and opened the door to a cultural and linguistic influence that continues to this day.
The Spanish language is one of the most visible and tangible legacies of Hispanic heritage. With over 41 million Spanish speakers in the country, the United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. This phenomenon has impacted media, with Spanish-language television and radio stations, and education, where Spanish has become the most studied language after English. Spanish learners are not just learning a language, but they are immersing themselves in a rich history that connects two worlds: the English-speaking and the Spanish-speaking.
The cultural diversity within the Hispanic community in the United States is fascinating, and it is particularly vibrant in cities like Houston. Houston is one of the main epicenters of Hispanic coexistence, where people from countries like Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, and Spain live together, enriching the city’s cultural life. At our Spanish school, Spanish Perfecto, we are a reflection of this diversity: our teaching team includes a Honduran, an Argentine, a Colombian, a Spaniard, two Cubans, two Mexicans, and four Venezuelans. This cultural richness translates into Spanish lessons that go beyond grammar, as each teacher brings their accent, their story, and their culture, making learning a beautiful and authentic experience.
As time progresses, the influence of Hispanic culture in the United States will continue to grow. It is projected that by 2060, Latinos will make up almost 30% of the country’s population, further cementing the presence of Spanish and Hispanic cultures in all aspects of American life. For Spanish learners, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a future where the Spanish language and Hispanic culture will play an even more prominent role.
The future is bilingual, and Hispanic heritage will continue enriching the United States!
