Banners, fireworks, parades, and plenty of food unite Latinos under a common sentiment during the month of September, as September 15 commemorates the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Just a day later, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and a couple of days later, Chile celebrates its independence on September 18.



The independence celebrations in Latin America have been so significant that from September 15 to October 15, the Hispanic Heritage Month (Hispanic Heritage Month) is celebrated in the United States to recognize the heritage, culture, and traditions of Hispanic origin people as part of American heritage.

The Origin of Hispanic Heritage Month

This celebration originated in 1968 when Congress authorized then-President Lyndon B. Johnson to issue an annual proclamation designating the National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers extended the duration of the celebration to a month, from September 15 to October 15, as a reminder of the roots and values that the United States has as a nation of immigrants.

Since then, during the Hispanic Heritage Month, a multitude of celebrations, exhibitions, and special activities are organized to celebrate the heritage, culture, traditions, and extraordinary contributions of Americans of Hispanic origin.

Today, Americans of Hispanic origin play an integral role in the American experience, as Latino heritage and Hispanic culture are increasingly present in the North American country in fields as diverse as science, economy, politics, art, music, and food.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

The Hispanic Heritage Month is the ideal celebration to recognize and appreciate the wonders of Latin American cuisine. Just as Mexico has traditional dishes, each of the Latin American countries has its typical dishes that are prepared during the independence celebrations.



During Costa Rica's independence celebration, casado, various types of empanadas, and different tamales are enjoyed, while in El Salvador, the popular pupusas are a must. In Honduras, they celebrate with various typical drinks and foods like baleadas and chismol, while in Guatemala, they enjoy national dishes like jocón, pepián, caldo Kaq Ik, and the traditional plantains in mole. In Nicaragua, the popular gallo pinto is prepared, while in Chile, empanadas de pino, grilled meat, and mote con huesillo are enjoyed during the national holidays. In Mexico, the feast of Independence Day would not be complete without a rich pozole, popular tostadas, or traditional chiles en nogada.

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There is no doubt that the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by savoring the delicious cuisine of Latin America.