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Hispanic Heritage Month: Why Do We Celebrate It?

KARLA LOPEZ, SEPTEMBER 2022

It is a well known fact that many Latin American countries are big tourist spots; but did anyone ever think of how it all came to be? 
Hispanic heritage is supposed to be celebrated from September 15th - October 15th, but many Hispanics reserve October for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead). This is because many Latin countries gained their independence from Spain during the month of September. The only countries that you can say are an exception are Puerto Rico (July 4) and Cuba (Oct.10). Since I identify as Mexican, that is the culture that I will be talking about the most. 

Now it’s time to dig deeper into history. Mexico gained independence from Spain on September 16th 1810,  and that’s the day that a lot of people celebrate their heritage. The only reason why Mexico got their independence was because they were a part of “La Guerra de Independencia de México” (Mexican War of Independence). This war took place from September 16 1810 – September 27 1821, now this seems weird because it shows that the war lasted for a little over 11 years, but Mexico had been under the control of Spain from 1521-1821. Now there is someone that commenced the war, and his name was Miguel Hidalgo Costilla (the George Washington of Mexico). See, this man was a priest, but not just some ordinary priest: he was literally considered as an icon with the people. The reason for this is because he helped convince people to be a part of the battle. This later made him the icon that he is today. ​
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So now that we all know a little bit about the history, let’s talk about traditions that we have to celebrate this special month in the U.S. Most people usually just plan a parade or end up attending one. For example, Little Village holds a parade to mark this occasion. Commercial Ave., or better known as Slag Valley to some people, holds a parade to celebrate Mexican independence. In addition to these parades, people like to dress up in bright and colorful clothing. Women usually wear bright folkloric dresses or a colorful floral shirt. Men usually wear boots, traditional belts, and charro type shirts. There are some men that like to add a tejana to this mixture. But then, there are also those people who dress up in mariachi suits. These are just a few of the ways that people like to dress on these days.
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Now you know about some of the history behind Hispanic Heritage Month and some of our traditions. Now there are some people that go and make a carne asada, more known as grilling steak, but you don’t have to do this. There are definitely a lot of restaurants and parties that will be celebrating this special day, so go out and join one of them! 

HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH!

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  • Home
    • Black History Month Collection >
      • Angelica Dass: The Nature of Color
      • Chicago's Historian, My Father
      • Top 3 Black Artists
      • Pain For Profit
      • Black Historical Figures
      • Hiding Behind the Strength
    • Black History Month 2023 >
      • The Diaspora Wars
      • Growing Up Black
      • The Duality of Afro-Latinos
      • 5 Thing That Make me Happy as a Black Person
      • Black Girls' Hair
      • Hot Takes From A Tired Black Girl
    • Women's History Month >
      • Books Written by Women
      • women are amazing
      • Anonymous Stories: Women’s History Month
    • Hispanic Heritage Month >
      • Hispanic Heritage Month
      • Top 5 Books for Hispanic Heratige Month
      • El Día de los Muertos - FAQ
      • Mexican Independence Day
      • Hispanic Artists
      • Hispanic Authors
    • PODCAST >
      • Love & Dating
      • All Things Black History
    • BALM Founders
    • Teacher's Corner >
      • Teacher's Corner: Gordon
      • Teacher's Corner: Ejzak
      • Teacher's Corner: David
      • Teacher's Corner: Wilde
    • Sports/Clubs
    • Student Businesses
    • Resources >
      • LGBTQ+ Resources
  • Meet Us
    • Socials >
      • Google Forms
  • This Month
    • Op-Eds >
      • What Does It Mean to Fear?
      • The Controversy with Kpop Survival Shows
      • Being Aromantic
      • Why is the AC So Hated? (From an 8th Grader)
      • 5 Things That Make Me Happy as a Queer Person
      • Being An Only Child
      • Being The Youngest Sibling
      • The Downfall of Legos
      • Helicopter Parents and The Fear of Growing Up
      • I'm Done
      • Yes, You Are the Problem
    • Media Reviews >
      • Radiohead - OK Computer
      • Ride the Cyclone Review
      • White Male Rage Movies
      • Top 5 Movies
      • Album Review : DESVELADO - Eslabon Armado
      • Why I Love Steven Universe
      • Book v. Movie: The Hunger Games
    • CREATIVE WRITING >
      • Atlas
      • Armageddon
      • Groups of Three
      • Peace Lilies
      • Father
      • I'll always remember you
    • Location Reviews >
      • Navy Pier
    • Sports Panel >
      • Chess Team Sports Analysis
  • Featured Article
  • Farewell Articles
    • MORANT
    • Final Advice from a DONE Senior
    • Funny Friend
    • Why Everyone Should Go to WashU
    • High School Was NOT The Musical
    • Immigration in Florida
    • Being The Older Sibling
    • My Goodbye Article
    • High School Musical Review from a Senior's Perspective
    • Top 3 Senior statements