Culture is the way of life of a group of people, such as arts, language, beliefs, ideas, techniques, etc. Hispanic culture has become quite prominent in the United States! According to Census.gov, there are 63.7 million Hispanics, which is equivalent to 19.1% of the total population in the U.S.
Hispanic countries are Mexico, Argentina, El Salvador, Panama, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, Spain, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru, Nicaragua, Chile, Bolivia, and Equatorial Guinea.
There are Hispanic celebrations and traditions that should be recognized.
Quinceanera is a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday. Quinces are celebrated because they symbolize a girl’s entry from childhood into adulthood. More than 500,000 Quinceaneras are celebrated in the United States every year.
Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 each year. It is celebrated to remember the Mexican victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, a celebration of life and death originated in Mexico. Dia de los Muertos is a joyful time to pray and remember friends and family members who have died. Dia de los Muertos colors are red to represent the blood of life. Yellow and orange to represent marigolds, sun, and light. Marigolds are flowers from the dead and it is said that they can help the deceased find their way back home. Dia de los Muertos’ meaning is to show us death is real and that even if loved ones are no longer here, we will always remember them.
Dia de los Muertos is usually traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 but is sometimes recognized on other days, such as October 31 or November 6, depending on the locality.
Las Posadas is a Christmas celebration throughout many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Cuba. Las Posadas is from December 16 to 24, nine days before Christmas. It celebrates Joseph and Mary’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to Jesus. The nine days represent Mary’s nine-month pregnancy with her son Jesus.
Sports are also important to Hispanic culture. Futbol(soccer) is the major and most popular sport in Hispanic countries. Over 8 million Mexicans play soccer and about 40% of Hispanic high school students participate in soccer.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to celebrate the culture, music, and art of Hispanics. It is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month is important to remember Hispanic Americans’ historic culture and contributions.
Sophomore Hajhhaby Rayo Gonzalez is from Guatemala!
“I love the language, art, music, dance, and especially the food!” expressed Gonzalez.
Hispanic culture is important to recognize and value Latinos and Latinas’ many contributions. Hispanic traditions keep them connected to their roots and share them with larger communities.
