Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

Mexican food is ubiquitous in the United States and often a kid favorite. Before cooking or going out to eat, talk about the specific ingredients and spices that make these dishes special. Taste and smell cumin and paprika. Discuss kids’ favorite dishes and whether they include common Mexican ingredients, such as corn, chili peppers, shredded beef and chicken, beans and tomatoes. 

Bring some new cultures to the table by trying the following Hispanic and Latino dishes: 

1. Chimichurri sauce originated in Argentina. This herbaceous green sauce tastes best when served on top of proteins or vegetables or employed as a marinade. 
2. Migas are kid-friendly, and you’ll likely have the ingredients on hand. A popular dish in Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Texas, migas combines scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, melty cheese and pico de gallo. 
3. With origins in both Columbia and Venezuela, arepas are the ultimate sandwich – fried corn cakes stuffed with chicken, avocado and more. To earn extra kid points, watch the movie "Encanto" before making the cheese-filled arepas from the film. 

Virtual tours provide an accessible way to explore contributions of Latino communities and individuals.  

• La Casa Azul is Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's former home. The name literally translates to the Blue House. Now, it's a museum dedicated to her work and life.
• The Smithsonian's Museum of the American Latino shines a light on the legacy of U.S. Latinos and Latinas.

celebrations create connection and fun everyone can enjoy. Plus, experiencing how a culture celebrates is a great way to learn.  

Take some time to explore Hispanic and Latino traditions around celebrations. Piñatas are often a hit with younger kids. Meanwhile, older kids can learn the fascinating background of Día de los Muertos (which falls early in November). Latin American teenage girls celebrate their 15th birthdays with elaborate quinceañeras.  

Whether you’re attending a cultural celebration or watching one on TV, prompt a conversation with your child with these questions: 

• What is the purpose and history of this celebration?
• What are the values and beliefs being celebrated?
• What music is being played and how is it contributing to the event? If there are dancers, are they wearing special costumes or accessories?
• What are the symbols and meanings of the objects and activities associated with this celebration?
• What foods and drinks are served?
• How does this celebration help to keep the culture alive?
• How can I be respectful of this culture and its traditions?

Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Diego Velazquez and Francisco Goya – Hispanic artists are some of the most famous of all time.  

View their masterpieces and discuss what makes them stand out. Then, ask kids to try to recreate some of these famous art styles at home or in the classroom. As part of their fine arts program, Variety Boys & Girls Club dedicates a whole week to Frida Kahlo as members recreate her many self-portraits. 

Making Hispanic-inspired crafts is also a great way to experience hands-on learning through art. 

Kid-friendly movies that explore Hispanic and Latino culture are perfect for movie night.  

• The hit 2021 movie "Encanto" takes place in Colombia. While your kids enjoy the magical family Madrigal, they’ll also see Colombian fashion, architecture, animals and food. Expect to learn a few Spanish words along the way.
• Inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, the 2017 animated film “Coco” explores family and tradition.
• Set to the musical stylings of Lin-Manual Miranda, 2021’s “Vivo” on Netflix celebrates the culture of Cuba as a rain forest creature seeks to deliver a message on behalf of his owner.

If you're looking for more movie picks throughout the month, check out these other kid-friendly movie options.

If your child considers every room a dance floor, it’s time to introduce them to the vibrancy of Latino dance styles. There are plenty of new moves to learn: 

• Check out the basic steps of salsa dancing.
• Get moving to these fun, Spanglish-taught cumbia moves.