Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in Polk County, Florida

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The monthlong celebration recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Here in Polk County, it is a chance to explore how those histories connect to places you know, from ranches and citrus groves to community celebrations.

The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, it expanded to a month under President Ronald Reagan. The Sept. 15 start date marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence Sept. 16, followed by Chile on Sept. 18.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to learn about the past while recognizing the people and traditions that are part of Polk County today. It also offers a reason to look more closely at the local history you may pass by every day.

Shaping Industries

Hispanic culture and immigration have helped shape several industries that became central to Polk County’s economy.

Black-and-white historical photo of cattle grazing in an open field surrounded by pine trees and other vegetation. — A herd of cows in the scrub, taken in the 1920s by Holly Hill Studios in Davenport.

Spanish explorers introduced cattle and citrus to Florida, laying the foundation for two of the state’s most recognizable industries. Spanish cattle eventually developed into the Florida cracker cattle raised by generations of Florida ranchers, while citrus brought by Spanish settlers spread inland and helped establish the roots of Florida’s citrus industry.

Historical panoramic illustration showing extensive rows of citrus groves spread across a large agricultural landscape. — Drawing of citrus groves in Florida, ca. 1920s, the Holly Hill Studio collection.

Spanish colonists also introduced honeybees in 1565, which remain essential to agriculture through honey production and crop pollination.

Historical photo of several men standing among rows of tobacco plants in a field in Bartow, Florida. — Vuelta Abajo tobacco field in downtown Bartow in 1880s or 1890s. Polk County History Center.

Cuban culture also played a role in Polk County’s agricultural history. Fleeing Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence, a colony of about 200 Cubans settled near Fort Meade in 1895. They planted 200 acres of tobacco, constructed homes and tobacco barns and worked with local growers. Although the colonists returned to Cuba in 1899, their successful harvests demonstrated how Hispanic knowledge, traditions and labor helped shape Polk County’s agricultural development.

Celebration at Home

You can celebrate Hispanic heritage at county, city and community events throughout Polk County. On Sept. 19, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources hosted the 19th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at Lake Gwyn Park in Winter Haven.

The festival featured live music, dancing, cultural performances, food and activities for all ages. Local vendors and community partners joined residents to share traditions and celebrate Polk County’s Hispanic community. Events like this offer a place to enjoy the celebration together and learn from the people who make up our community.

Hispanic Heritage Month offers many ways to connect with the people and places around you. Attend a local event, explore Polk County’s history and learn more about the cultures and people who have helped shape our community.

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