BOSTON - National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. And at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey and the Latino Empowerment Council marked the occasion. 

“It's still so amazing to feel the energy of other Latino leaders and people of color,” said Wendy Aguilar of Worcester. “Here to celebrate our rich culture because, you know, I think Hispanics should be celebrated every day.”

Gov. Maura Healey enjoyed watching the performances put on by different groups like this capoeira performance, a Brazilian martial art and dance which mimics fighting. 

When she took the mic, she agreed Hispanic Heritage Month should be celebrated all the time.  When she started speaking in Spanish asking how the crowd was, she was met with enthusiastic applause. 

For state Sen. Adam Gomez, a day like this is important for everyone who identifies as Hispanic to see themselves celebrated by their government. 

“Today is just to make sure that we're telling everyone that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to go out and to enjoy the music, enjoy the food, enjoy the family aspect,” said Gomez. “The statehouse is always inclusive and making sure that we celebrate everybody.”

There was singing and dancing and food. And the overall message was that these are cultures that deserve to be celebrated.