By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Fort Hays State University came alive with Latin traditions and flavors on Thursday as it celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hosted by FHSU Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the evening showcased Latin culture through food, music and activities.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and impact of Hispanic Americans.
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Mexico and Chile are the Latin American countries celebrating their independence during the month.
The FHSU Government Association handed out candy and shared information on the rich history of Latino presence in America. According to their booth, Latino roots in the U.S. date back centuries, long before Spain colonized what is now part of the United States.
Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the subsequent Treaty of Paris, which followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 60 million Latinos reside in the United States, accounting for 18.9% of the nation’s population.
