5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

We like to celebrate Hispanic heritage year around, but September 15th to October 15th marks when we recognize Latino/Hispanic contributions here in the U.S.  These dates are significant because several Latin American countries including El Savador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica celebrate their Independence day on the 15th of September and Mexico celebrates on the 16th.   

As a home decor business, why does Hispanic Heritage matter to us?

One of our founders identifies as Mexican-American with her mom being an immigrant from Guadalajara Mexico. Having this hispanic heritage so close has inspired her entrepreneurship in creative ventures. It has also inspired our color palette aesthetics with the products we design, and has even inspired aspects of our name “Marmeda”.  With a Mexican-American bi-racial business owner, we think it’s important to share ideas on how we can participate in celebrating this month. Plus, who doesn’t want more excuses to fiesta?

(Note that we may be partial to Mexican heritage due to the connection, but please continue to incorporate all the hispanic cultures you feel inclined to.)

Idea #1: Eat Authentic Latin American Food

• Say yes to tacos, pupusas, asados, arepas, frijoles, cubanos, flan, and the works. Most of us are familiar with a few popular Mexican dishes like quesadillas or burritos, but skip the Taco Bell and Chipotle and find some local latino owned restaurants in your city and try something new.  

(Photo Courtesy of TNT Taqueria Seattle)

Idea #2 Fiesta on Mexican Independence Day

• It’s a common misconception that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, it’s not. You can still party then if you want, but September 16th is the official day that Mexico declared its independence from Spain.  Find out if there is a local community celebration around during this time or throw a party of your own. Remember that a few other Latin american countries celebrate around this time of year as well so feel free to incorporate elements from their respective cultures as well. 

(Photo courtesy: Papel Picado Shop- Etsy) 

Idea #3 Indulge or Discover Hispanic or Latino Music and Art

• Most of us listen to music during some point in our day and if you’re checking this article out- like most of us, we browse or scroll through the internet and social media daily. Make an effort to discover or add to your playlist a hispanic artist. Some of our favorite musicians include: Reik, Mana, Luis Fonsi, and Selena. You can also go with more American mainstream popular musicians like Enrique Inglesias, Shakira, Becky G, or even Olivia Rodrigo.  
• As far as other art mediums go, many of us have heard of the painters Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Pablo Picasso. Some others you can check out are Juan Gris (painter), Lola Alvarez Bravo (photographer), or Maria Martinez Canas (visual artist). 

(Photo By Lola Alvarez Bravo- Featuring Frida Kahlo) 

Idea #4 If its Latin inspired- call it that. 

• If you’re in the market for an aztec print, serape, talavera floral, or terra cotta clay pieces- or already own some- don’t just loop into referring to these styles as “boho”.  “Boho” is short for Bohemian, which originated from central Europe.
• Although there are a lot of similarities between Bohemian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and other euro-centric styles and central/south american based designs; even with designers they often collide into being classified as an european name based design.   This is maybe less of a “to-do” idea rather than a suggestion to acknowledge the Latin American or Indigenous roots of some of your potential decor pieces. 

Idea #5 Support Hispanic Owned Businesses

• I guess this is where we can put in our “pitch” to shopping at Marmeda (wink). We are hispanic owned and obviously would love your support. However, there many hispanic entrepreneurs online and chances are good there are plenty around you locally. 
• Besides ourselves, some businesses that we really love include: Hija De Tu Madre (Lifestyle brand), Latino Pride Shop (Personalized Gifts), Brenda Bird Designs (Graphic Design), and Asadero Prime (Restaurant if you’re a Seattle local)  

As we go about the beginning of fall enjoying kids being back at school and the weather getting more crisp, indulge in a little celebrating latino style- before (or during- no judgement here) getting too wrapped up in your pumpkin spice everything and fall inspired decor. Like we mentioned earlier, who doesn’t want another excuse to fiesta? Especially to hold us over until the holiday season excitement starts.  Now go grab yourself a taco! And maybe an extra one for us!