Hispanic American Heritage Month

September is a month of new beginnings for lots of our southern neighbors. Independence Day celebrations include parades, flag ceremonies, and favorite foods like beleades, pupusas, and ceviche.

In Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, students put on performances. In Guatemala, kids create murals. In Nicaragua, the celebrations run the first two weeks of the month and culminate in a musical talent show.

On September 15, thousands of Central America’s best students begin a 387 kilometer (about 240 mile) cross-country relay. One by one, they carry a burning torch that travels hand-to-hand from Guatemala to Costa Rica. In Honduras and Guatemala, people of all ages hold small neighborhood torch ceremonies, as well.

And on the evening of September 15, the president of Mexico steps out onto the balcony of the National Palace. There, he rings the same bell that was rung by Father Hidalgo—the Father of Mexico—and shouts the Grito de Delores (Cry of Delores): Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico! After the shout comes the Mexican National Anthem.

Chile’s festivities feature outdoor festivals, with traditional costumes and with games like kite-flying, sack racing, and climbing a greased pole. People feast on delicious foods like empanadas and anticucho kebabs.

Want to share in the feasting? Check out our recipe books like the following and create an international meal at home!

The Latin American Cookbook by Virgilio Martinez 

Plant Powered Mexican: Fast, Fresh Recipes from a Mexican-American Kitchen by Kate Ramos

Tu casa mi casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook by Enrique Olvera