Posted on September 12th, 2025

 

You’ve seen the words. They show up in headlines, classroom discussions, and probably on your social feed every September.

 

Hispanic. Latino. Latin American. People toss them around like they mean the same thing—but they don’t.

 

These labels carry weight. They're tied to language, geography, history, and identity.

 

Sometimes they overlap. Other times, using the wrong one can feel like getting someone’s name wrong at a family reunion. Close... but not quite.

 

Here’s the thing: knowing the difference isn’t just about being “correct.” It’s about showing up with a little more awareness—and a lot more respect.

 

Stick around. The details are where it gets interesting.

 

What’s The Difference Between Hispanic Latino And Latin American

These three terms—Hispanic, Latino, and Latin American—get lumped together a lot. But each one points to something different: language, geography, or identity.

 

Getting clear on what they mean isn’t about being technical. It’s about knowing what you’re actually talking about when you use them—and respecting how people choose to identify themselves.

 

So, here’s the short version:

• "Hispanic" refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries.

• Latino/Latina/Latinx includes anyone from Latin America, regardless of language.

• Latin American is a geographical term tied to Central and South America, plus parts of the Caribbean.

That means someone from Brazil is Latin American and likely Latino, but not Hispanic.

 

Someone from Spain is Hispanic but not Latino. It’s not a perfect system, and not everyone fits neatly into one box. Some people identify with all three. Others, with none. Identity is personal, and context matters.

 

This comes up a lot during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), when organizations are eager to celebrate Latin cultures—but sometimes don’t pause to think about who actually fits under that umbrella.

 

The month lines up with several Latin American independence days, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate right after.

 

But again, not everyone being honored during the month falls under the Hispanic label.

 

That’s where it gets interesting—and, occasionally, awkward. For example, hiring a Brazilian artist or speaker for a "Hispanic" event isn’t always accurate, even if it’s done with good intentions.

 

Brazil’s cultural heritage is tied to Portuguese, not Spanish, so it doesn’t fall into the Hispanic category. Still, Brazilian culture plays an important role in the larger Latin American experience. The celebration just needs the right label.

 

Events this month range from school programs and community festivals to dance performances, food tastings, and cultural workshops.

 

They’re a chance to spotlight the voices, rhythms, and histories that shape the Latino and Hispanic experience. The more we understand the differences between these terms, the more meaningful the celebration becomes.

 

The point isn’t to nitpick language. It’s to celebrate culture with a little more care—and a lot more clarity.

 

Why Brazil Is Latin American But Not Hispanic

Brazil often gets grouped into the wrong category. Yes, it's Latin American—but no, it's not Hispanic. That distinction comes down to language and colonial history, not guesswork or geography.

 

Here’s the breakdown:Latin America includes countries in the Americas where Romance languages—like Spanish, Portuguese, or French—are spoken.

 

Brazil fits that bill because Portuguese is its official language, thanks to colonization by Portugal. But "Hispanic" refers specifically to Spanish-speaking countries and cultures, which leaves Brazil out of that circle.

 

So while Brazilians are Latin American, they're not Hispanic. That one-word difference carries weight when you're talking about identity, especially in spaces where culture, heritage, and language intersect.

 

A Brazilian might identify as Latino or Latina because of their Latin American roots, but not Hispanic, since they don't speak Spanish. It’s not about splitting hairs—it’s about being accurate.

 

This isn’t just a Brazil thing. The region’s a patchwork of identities. Puerto Rico, for example, is both Hispanic and Latino. Belize is Latin American but not Hispanic—it’s English-speaking.

 

Haiti speaks French, so it's Latin American, but again, not Hispanic. There’s overlap, but also plenty of exceptions. Context matters, and so does how people choose to describe themselves.

 

The terms Latino and Hispanic aren’t interchangeable, and they’re not always useful in isolation. Hispanic leans on language—Spanish, specifically.

 

Latino is tied to geography: Latin America, regardless of whether the language is Spanish, Portuguese, or French. And even then, self-identification often overrides labels.

 

That’s why this gets especially tricky during Hispanic Heritage Month. Events often spotlight the richness of Latino and Hispanic culture, but they don’t always reflect its full scope.

 

You’ll see Afro-Latin influences, Indigenous traditions, and performances rooted in Brazilian or Caribbean rhythms—all of which deserve space, even if they don’t fit neatly into the “Hispanic” label.

 

Take dance, for example. Folkloric styles from Brazil—infused with African, Indigenous, and European influences—tell stories that go beyond borders and definitions.

 

These performances aren’t just cultural showcases. They’re expressions of identity, history, and resilience.

 

Labels help organize things on paper. But people, culture, and heritage? Those don’t follow tidy rules.

 

How To Celebrate Latin American Culture During Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin America isn’t a monolith—and Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about checking a cultural box.

 

It’s a chance to highlight the bold, layered, and deeply personal identities that make up this region. From music and movement to food and storytelling, every country brings its own flavor—literally and figuratively.

 

Start with the sounds. Music and dance offer a direct line into cultural memory. Brazil pulses with samba. Argentina holds onto the melancholy elegance of tango.

 

The Dominican Republic moves to merengue, while Mexico brings the energy with mariachi. These aren’t just performances.

 

They’re stories you can feel. Joining a salsa class or watching a folkloric show isn’t just entertainment—it’s stepping into a centuries-old conversation, told through rhythm and motion.

 

Now, let’s talk food. Every dish tells a story, and during this month, culinary traditions take center stage. A bite of Peruvian ceviche, a spoonful of Cuban ropa vieja—these aren’t just meals.

 

They’re living history. Recipes handed down, adapted through generations, and shaped by migration, trade, and resistance.

 

Hosting a community potluck or featuring local Latin American chefs offers a way to taste culture firsthand. The spices, the textures, the ingredients—they’re not just delicious. They’re deeply symbolic.

 

Literature also plays a huge role. Stories shape how cultures remember, resist, and imagine. Reading works by Latin American authors gives you access to the region’s soul.

 

From Gabriela Mistral’s poetry to Gabriel García Márquez’s dreamlike fiction, literature opens a window into the histories, joys, and struggles that have shaped each country.

 

Hosting book clubs, poetry readings, or local author showcases adds depth to the celebration. The words may be printed, but their impact is personal.

 

And then there’s history—complex, layered, often misunderstood. Hosting educational talks or exhibits that explore figures like Simón Bolívar or Frida Kahlo adds context to the culture we see on the surface.

 

These stories push beyond the stereotypes and show how resistance, creativity, and community shaped the region’s identity.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t about checking off a list of countries. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and celebrating the people behind the culture. When done well, these events don’t just entertain. They connect.

 

Bring The Rhythms, Stories, And Energy Of Latin America To Your Celebration With Berkshire Brazil

Exploring the terms "Hispanic," "Latino," and "Latin American" is a start—but real knowledge comes from direct connection.

 

Cultural identity isn’t just read about; it’s lived. It’s in the rhythm of a drum, the sway of a dance, and the flavor of a dish passed down for generations. Every performance, every shared story, deepens that connection.

 

At Berkshire Brazil, we bring that experience to life through custom Latin Dance Showcases and Workshops.

 

These aren’t just shows—they’re immersive celebrations. No matter if you're planning a school event, cultural festival, or community gathering, our programming is designed to move people—literally and emotionally.

 

Our team highlights the diversity within Latin America, with performances and workshops that celebrate the roots and rhythms of Brazilian culture and beyond.

 

Participants don’t just watch—they engage, learn, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the cultures being honored.

 

To book a performance or request more details, contact us at [email protected] or call (413) 329-8959. Let’s create something meaningful—something that celebrates culture with clarity, energy, and respect.