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By Mary Ellen O’Meara
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in the United States from September 15–October 15. The City of Malden, in conjunction with the North Shore Hispanic Association, will once again set a trend, by raising the Hispanic Heritage Flag to celebrate Hispanic culture and recognize the profound and indelible mark on various aspects of life in the United States. The “Tu Hispanidad” flag was raised in Boston for the first time in 2023, and Malden will be the second city in the Commonwealth to fly the flag, and the first city in Middlesex County!
The observation of Hispanic Heritage in the United States is not new. It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The “Tu Hispanidad” flag honors the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic people in our society. The symbolism is compelling: The background is light blue, symbolizing the skies that surround all of us. The globe is in the center, portraying the lands in green where Hispanic people have travelled and extended Hispanic culture. The ocean is portrayed in deep blue, in recognition of the strong maritime presence Spain developed in the 15th century, permitting exploration and expansion of Hispanic culture onto five continents during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. A striking symbol superimposed on the globe is made of arrows, representing the movement of peoples. The golden arrows form the letters “T” and “U,” indicating the phrase “Tribus Unidas,” which translates to “United Tribes,” symbolizing the mixing of civilizations.
Firstly, the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas were sophisticated civilizations in the Americas that developed complex agricultural societies, social structures and impressive architecture. They were known for advances in writing and mathematics, animal husbandry, and complex engineering adapted to their diverse environments. Secondly, the Spanish are descended from the Iberian, Celtic and Roman peoples, along with later arrivals to the Iberian peninsula, like the Visigoths, Berbers and Arabs. This mix of cultures, with an added dimension of African influence, due to forced migrations as early as the 16th century, has created a rich tapestry of traditions, languages and practices that continue to evolve through contemporary immigration and cultural exchange.
Although our global history, particularly in reference to colonization of other lands, always includes tragic stories of violence, oppression and disregard for the rights and well-being of the colonized populations, the “Tu Hispanidad” flag and celebration focus on the part that unites us: the language and the customs that we share and how this has contributed to humanity.
Today, Hispanic culture is a dynamic blend of these historical influences, marked by diverse national origins, languages, races and unique cultural expressions. From music and dance to food, sports to art and literature, architecture to popular festivals, the Hispanic culture has left its mark worldwide. Within the United States, continued immigration and cultural exchange ensures that this rich and diverse culture continues to grow and evolve. Join us at City Hall Plaza for our celebration!
