At the Tuesday, October 10th Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting, a unanimous vote proclaimed September 15- October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month. Since 1968, Americans have observed National Hispanic Heritage Month during the same timeframe by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The County proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, September 15 through October 15 is celebrated throughout the United States as Hispanic Heritage Month, providing an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society; and
WHEREAS, September 15 is a significant day because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Fairfax County is home to nearly 200,000 Hispanic Americans, more than 16% of the county population, whose immeasurable contributions and unique stories should be celebrated throughout the year, but especially during Hispanic Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans have played a pivotal role in our country’s strength and prosperity, and have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our Union; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim September 15-October 15, 2023, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Fairfax County, and urges all residents to join in recognizing the members of the Hispanic American community here and throughout the United States for their outstanding contributions.
A breakfast hosted by Celebrate Fairfax, in partnership with Volunteer Fairfax, was held prior to the meeting, with event supporters in attendance. Debbie Kilpatrick, Chair of Celebrate Fairfax Board of Directors, remarks, “It was an honor for Celebrate Fairfax to participate during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month, by providing a Fairfax Fiesta themed breakfast to the Supervisors, county staff, and other community organizations in attendance. Celebrate Fairfax would also like to extend our appreciation to Volunteer Fairfax for partnering with us to provide this breakfast.
On behalf of Celebrate Fairfax, we’d like to thank Chairman McKay, Supervisor Palchik, the Board of Supervisors, County staff, and especially to the Fairfax Fiesta Planning Committee for their countless hours dedicated to make our Fairfax Fiesta’s inaugural event a success, and to the event partners’ contributions to support the event: T-Mobile, community non-profits, and county agencies.
Celebrate Fairfax endeavors to build a vibrant community. Even though the Fairfax Fiesta was unable to happen due to the weather, this event provided the opportunity to work in partnership with many entities throughout the county with the shared goal to celebrate the Hispanic culture and come together as one Fairfax community.
The event’s purpose was to commemorate and build awareness of the contributions and influence of Hispanic American community to Fairfax County and demonstrate the County’s commitment to equity and representation of diverse vibrant cultures. We hope this inaugural event will ignite future local celebrations as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.”
To experience the event virtually, please visit our Fairfax Fiesta event page, where you will find the overall Digital Event Guide, the Flags of Our Heritage Fun Facts and Coloring Book, and Connect with Countries passport.