Celebrate Hispanic and Latino History Month with PBS KIDS!

Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month with PBS KIDS!

September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. Exploring the foods, music, art, language, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino cultures offers children a meaningful way to learn about others while celebrating what makes every family unique. For young children, some of the best learning happens through hands-on experiences shared with their caring grownups. Through cooking, creating, and watching together, families encourage meaningful conversations that help children learn about and appreciate the traditions that hold special meaning for families.

Alma loves piraguas! When she gets a chance to try a special flavor created just for her, she faces a tough decision about what to do when she doesn't like it.

Alma loves piraguas! When she gets a chance to try a special flavor created just for her, she faces a tough decision about what to do when she doesn't like it.

Credit: Fred Rogers Productions

One delicious way to explore cultures together is through food. Invite your child into the kitchen to help prepare simple recipes inspired by Hispanic and Latin American traditions. Try family-friendly recipes that are shared in PBS KIDS shows, such as refreshing piraguas, Budín dé Pan, kid-friendly rice dishes, and crispy tostadas. Cooking together helps children develop early math skills through measuring and strengthens executive functioning skills while they learn to follow directions. As they prepare and taste new foods, children engage their senses, explore unfamiliar experiences, and develop curiosity about the world around them. 

Creative projects are another fun way to celebrate. Try making your own colorful papel picado. These decorative paper banners are often seen at celebrations throughout Mexico. Children can practice fine motor skills by folding and cutting paper while creating beautiful artwork to display at home. You can also work together to create a festive arch with flores de papel, paper flowers. These colorful creations encourage creativity and provide an opportunity to talk about how art helps make celebrations meaningful.

When Yadina feels nervous about going to the dentist, Sonia Manzano shows her how creating stories can help make challenging situations feel less overwhelming.

When Yadina feels nervous about going to the dentist, Sonia Manzano shows her how creating stories can help make challenging situations feel less overwhelming.

Credit: PBS KIDS

Continue the learning with PBS KIDS programs that celebrate Hispanic and Latino voices and traditions. Watch "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum": "Making Stories with Sonia Manzano" to learn about the influential writer and performer best known for helping shape generations of children's television. Families can also enjoy "Alma's Way" Shorts: "Sonia's Way: Mofongo and Puerto Rican Culture", which highlights food, family, and Puerto Rican traditions. PBS KIDS favorites like "Alma's Way" and "Rosie's Rules" show children how culture can be expressed through language, recipes, holidays, music, and everyday family experiences. 

As you celebrate this month, take time to talk about your own family traditions. By exploring the traditions of other families while sharing your own, you help your child build curiosity, respect, and a deeper understanding of the diverse world around them. This Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, the memories you make while cooking, creating, and learning together can help children develop a lasting appreciation for cultures, traditions, and stories that enrich our communities.

For more ideas, explore the PBS KIDS for Parents Hispanic Heritage Month highlight.

Watch the PBS KIDS Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month video collection.