Capitals Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Starting Thursday, the Washington Capitals will be observing National Hispanic Heritage Month. The team will celebrate until Oct. 15.

“Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens past and present whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” Washington wrote on Twitter. “The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18. Dia de la Raza also falls within this 30-day period on Oct. 12.”

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The Capitals also explained the difference between Hispanic and Latino on social media. In addition, the team promoted 10 Hispanic-owned restaurants in the D.C. area.

“Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably, though they mean two different things,” the team explained on social media. “Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish and/or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, and Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.”

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Washington will host rookie camp Friday-Monday. After that, the veterans will take the ice for training camp on Sept. 22. The Capitals also officially open the season on Oct. 12 at home against the Boston Bruins.