Hispanics are celebrating this month with pride. National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino Americans contributions, heritage and culture.
Vendors such as Drawn by the Natural, celebrate Hispanic heritage month by introducing people to Columbian style jewelry. This Columbian ran jewelry business makes everything handmade of natural elements.
“We have unique accessories for the people from Columbia, the natural elements we use are from fruits”, said Arturo Gonzalez-Iglesias Co-owner of Drawn by the Natural. “I am really enjoying seeing my Hispanic brothers and sisters admire our business and show support.”
Every year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Bureau of Economic and Business Research noted that “Hispanic” is an ethnic classification rather than a racial category, which are people who can be identified both by Hispanic origin and by race.
According to The Library of Congress, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Florida State University student Tiffany Crespo feels Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to teach others of Hispanic culture and for others to relate.
“I don’t really celebrate the month because I usually share my heritage throughout the year. I don’t limit it to one month,” Crespo said.
According to the 2013, American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, in the Tallahassee metropolitan statistical area, 6.4 percent of the total population is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. In comparison, 23.6 percent of Florida’s population is Hispanic and 42.7 percent of Miami, West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale’s population is Hispanic.
Economist Vesselka McAlarney said BEBR provides documents on population estimates and projections by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin, for Florida and its counties prepared by the University of Florida and BEBR for the Florida Legislature. These documents contain estimates for 2013 for the Hispanic population in Leon County as well as projections to 2040.
“BEBR prepares annual estimates and projections of race and ethnicity based on the results from the February Florida Demographic Estimating Conference,” McAlarney said.