Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Join MCPL in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. To explore what this month means on a personal level, we’re talking with two MCPL staff members, Raymond Muñoz, a Mexican American Part-Time Customer Service Associate, and Carmelita Bahamonde, an Ecuadorian Spanish Language Services Librarian. Together, they share their thoughts on why this month is important to them, their cultural traditions, and how we can all deepen our understanding and appreciation of the diverse Hispanic heritage.

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Important to you?

Raymond: It’s a celebration of about 33 different cultures, and it is really cool to see the representation of all those different groups individually, especially since people tend to lump “Hispanic” as just one thing.

Carmelita: For me, it’s all about food. I like to see the similarities between our dishes and how they differ flavor-wise. For example, in Ecuador, we have humitas, but in Mexico, they have tamales, which look similar on the outside but are different taste and texture-wise—and both are so delicious!

Do you have any old or new traditions for Hispanic Heritage Month?

CB: My family and I try to attend Fiesta Hispana and any other events throughout the month. 

RM: It’s not really a thing my family celebrated or paid attention to growing up. Now that I’ve lived in the Midwest for 20 years, I make it a point to go to events in the area. 

How can people learn more about your community?

RM: As far as wanting to learn more, really reading things about the Latino community. I recently read a book that we have about immigrants coming through Arizona and how that experience has been more challenging, and so many people have died on their journey over. Learning about all the issues is a great thing for people to do. 

CB: Make friends with Latinos. We’re welcoming people, and we love to feed you. Find out where local Latino restaurants are and support our businesses. Ask people how they say “popcorn” in their country, and that will really get the conversation going. For instance, in Ecuador, we call it cangil.

What is your favorite word in Spanish?

RM: Garrapata, which means tick. 

CB: Empalagar because there’s no direct translation to English. I say “me empalague” after I’ve eaten something sweet. It means something was so sweet you’re now too full. I’ve seen other people use it to describe that they’re just full after a meal, too. 

What is your favorite food?

RM: A good carne asada taco. Just the carne and homemade flour tortilla.

CB: I love tacos and live and breathe pupusas… but…my favorite is Llapingacho. It's an Ecuadorian dish served with rice, sausage, fried egg, peanut sauce, and potato pancakes, and it’s served with our version of salsa. It’s so good!

As we reflect on this conversation with Raymond and Carmelita, it’s clear that Hispanic Heritage Month offers an important opportunity to connect with the many different cultures that fall under the Hispanic and Latinx umbrella. Whether through food, community events, or simply learning about one another’s experiences, this month reminds us of the value of diversity. Take the time to explore, celebrate, and support local Hispanic communities because, as Carmelita said, we are always welcome to join in—and don’t forget to ask how they say popcorn!