Taking time from our lives to celebrate people and events is an important aspect of being a part of a community. These days also help put a spotlight on important events or problems that often go unnoticed.
This is precisely why we have National Latina Day in the US. It marks a day dedicated to celebrating the amazing contributions of our over 30 million Latina hermanas.
From making waves in politics and entrepreneurship to doing amazing things in art and entertainment, Latinas in the US need to be celebrated for their contributions. Another significance of National Latina Day is that it aims to reverse the pop culture stereotypes associated with Latinas i.e., being fiery, spicy, or hypersexual.
Let us get to know all that makes August 20th a special day for the Latina population in the US.
Origins of the National Latina Day
The National Latina Day has pretty recent origins. It started in 2015, with Dolores Alvarez Castilla’s Facebook group Latinas Empowering Latinas. August 20th, 2015 marked the 3rd anniversary of the group. Dolores, popularly known as Loli, decided to name the day as National Latina Day. She felt inspired by all the trailblazer Latinas in the US and wanted a special day dedicated to their contributions.
The group now has over 25,000 members and continues to be a source of support for Latinas around the US. It helps Latinas in feats like business, education, lifestyle, fashion, and even with personal problems.
About National Latina Day
National Latina Day is significant because what started as a day has grown into a movement for celebrating and further empowering Latinas. It celebrates the Latina identity while bringing forward all the Latinas who have contributed to society.
It is celebrated in the online world in the form of catchy and vibrant social media campaigns that highlight the Latina identity as an essential part of society. In the real world, Latinas all around the globe wear red to celebrate the Latina essence.
Dolores Alvarez Castilla chose the color red because it grabs attention and signifies THE determination to succeed. However, it also symbolizes positivity and warmth, which is exactly what uplifts the Latina sisterhood.
“It is time for us… to be counted for all we are and our accomplishments.” – Dolores Alvarez Castilla.
It is a common sight to see Latinas being given red roses on National Latina Day and posts circulating online with #NationalLatinaDay. Some cities in the southwest also celebrate the day in their own special way. Houston witnessed the Latino community coming together for the Las Mera Meras Festival for the National Latina Day in 2024.
Ways to Celebrate National Latina Day
It is important to celebrate National Latina Day to raise awareness on Latina achievements and celebrate their resilience to make space of themselves as a minority.
Here are all the ways you can celebrate National Latina Day.
Give Out Red Flowers
Red is the color of National Latina Day so it makes sense to give out red flowers to the Latina around you. You can amp it up by attaching small notes on why you think they deserve to be celebrated as a Latina. Make sure to take lots of pictures to remember the day.
You can give out red roses, tulips, or even carnations. These come in the most stunning red shades and are bound to make Latinas feel special about themselves.
Talk About It on Social Media
Social media is a major tool in providing visibility to events. Since the day originated from an online Facebook group, it makes sense to mention it online every year. You can post the pictures with fellow Latinas and share why you think National Latina Day is of significance.
You can trending social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to launch discussions about the day. These online discussions not only give visibility to National Latina Day but also raise awareness of the contributions of Latinas to society.
Stream a Movie Featuring a Latina
Another great way to celebrate the day is organizing a movie night where you stream a movie or documentary featuring Latinas. You can watch movies like Real Women Have Curves, Language Lessons, or Someone Great. Who can say no to a girls’ night with a heartfelt movie playing?
You can also get your friends in other cities to join in with the help of tools like StreamParty or Teleparty. This way, you can make sure they feel included while celebrating the Latina spirit. Just make sure you have an internet connection dependable enough to let you do all of that without any connectivity issues. In case you don’t, you must get Cox Internet plan at an affordable price by calling Cox servicio al cliente. And voila! You can celebrate National Latina Day with your girlies without any connectivity problems.
Celebrate the Latinas Around You
One important thing about celebrating National Latina Day is not only celebrating mainstream Latinas but also the ones around you. It can be your tia, abuela, or even your mama. Only then you will be able to celebrate the entire Latina sisterhood. Make sure you tell them why you think they deserve to be celebrated.
Another way to celebrate the day is by finding out Latina-led small businesses in your area and consciously buying from them and supporting them. This is a great way of supporting the Latina trailblazers locally.
All in all, National Latina Day holds a lot of importance for Latinas in highlighting their struggles and strengths. Celebrating it is a way to make sure that it stays alive and becomes a part of the Latina tradition.