It does not have to be National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate our appreciation and love for our abuelas.

In 1968, the first Hispanic Heritage Week was celebrated in the United States of America. However, the week-long celebration was transformed into a 31-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

The National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the US from September 15 to October 15. This 31-day celebration of Hispanic Heritage in the country is the recognition of the contributions and culture of US citizens with ancestors coming from South America, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spain.

September 15 was chosen because five Latin American nations, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, celebrate their day of independence on this date.

Hispanic culture covers a large and diverse group of people in various regions around the world. Despite the diversity among these people, they have a lot of things in common.

One of the characteristic features of Hispanic culture is its large families and their close ties. In the majority, Hispanic cultures use Spanish as their native language, and it is one of the reasons why the names of their family members are similar.

Respect for Grandparents

In many Hispanic families, the most respected family members are the grandparents. They are seen as an important figure in their grandchildren's lives.

The majority of Hispanic grandparents prefer to live with or near their children. This allows them to pass along Hispanic culture among their grandchildren. Also, they help their grandchildren learn the Spanish language.

In other cultures, grandparents also play essential roles. The knowledge, patience, and love of grandparents come with age. Grandparents' wisdom and perspective allow them to affect the lives of their grandchildren significantly.

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The Abuelas

 It is no doubt that many Hispanic grandchildren develop strong bonds with their abuelas.

According to Karolyna, a Mexican-American US citizen, she was taken in by her Abuela when her mom and dad got divorced.

She cannot remember how many months they stayed with Abuela. However, she remembered how she took excellent care of them during that time. She remembered that while their mom was looking for work, their Abuela would watch over them. Her Abuela even found them a house to rent and stay in. Her Abuela helped her mom raise them.

According to Sara, a Columbian-American US citizen, her Abuela was one of the bravest women she has ever met. Her Abuela got a divorce in the 1960s with her abusive husband. During that time, divorce was not widely accepted by society in Columbia.

Her Abuela did not finish college, but she was able to provide a living for her children. She was able to keep her family together despite the challenges she had to face. Sara's Abuela has been gone for years now, but she still misses her.