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With Hispanic Heritage Month coming to a close, it’s important to continue recognizing the influence and contributions of Hispanic and Latin American culture to the history and development of the United States, as well as the rest of North America. This community has brought rich nuance and meaning to American life and has greatly shaped our nation’s identity for the better.

With that said, I’ve compiled a list of Hispanic traditions and celebrations prevalent in Latin American communities throughout the world. Some of these are milestones, rites of passages. Others are celebrations for the whole community, honoring the gift of time. Many of these traditions can even be seen celebrated on the Andrews campus–not only during this month but throughout the school year.

National Independence Days (Various Countries)
The reason that Hispanic Heritage Month , instead of having a clean cutoff (like September 1 to 30, or October 1 to 31), is because September 15 coincides with the national independence day of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. In a similar vein, Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 2.

Each of these countries carries its own particular customs, but they generally involve patriotic parades, vibrant parties filling the streets, and lots of delicious food.

Dia de los Reyes Magos, or “Three Kings Day” (Various Countries)
In many predominantly Catholic countries, including Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, it’s not always Santa Claus who is responsible for bringing gifts on Christmas day. Rather, it’s the Three Kings. , a Christmas tradition that takes place from December 25 to January 6, involves festive lights bringing life to the streets and holiday tunes filling the atmosphere. The arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated with a joyful parade. The Kings ride through the streets on horses or elaborate floats and throw candy or little gifts to the children in the crowds.

That evening, children often leave out their shoes in a spot where the Kings are bound to see them. And the next day, sitting by their shoes are wrapped presents left by the generous Kings, waiting for excited hands to tear into them.

Cinco de Mayo (Mexico)
A holiday that has become quite well-known throughout America in the past decades, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. It is not the same as independence day; rather, it commemorates a single battle. Traditions include military parades and recreations of the Battle. The occasion is also marked by parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, and traditional foods.

Fiestas Patronales de San Salvador (El Salvador)
Also known as the August celebrations, this holiday honors the patron saint of El Salvador that represents the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The is held in El Salvador’s capital city, San Salvador. The city is filled with a colorful procession of dancers and actors. People wear masks and dress up as characters from Salvadoran folk tales, and students from the city’s high schools and universities often participate by performing and playing music.

There are so many other holidays and celebrations throughout Latin America that I haven’t even begun to touch on, so this is just a small window into the history that is represented by Hispanic Heritage Month. As we continue through the year, we can keep on learning from the individuals who came before us, paving new paths and shaping our present with their customs, traditions, and ideas.