¡Feliz día prima del Mes Herencia Hispana!

Today is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month [September 15 - October 15)! People of Hispanic heritage have made huge impacts on American culture and this month aims to celebrate this.

First, let's look at a map of Spanish speaking countries and become familiar with them:

There's simply too many countries and cultures to mention them all in one post, but I'll be highlighting a few.

Guatemala

Guatemalan Independence Day is September 15! A lot of fairs and festivals are held throughout the country; many people travel to Antigua to celebrate. These festivals are often full of vibrant, colorful decor and Mayan designs. Indigenous people often set up displays and sell huipils and other handmade traditional crafts.

The influence of the Maya in Guatemala can be seen everywhere: cuisine, arts, music, and more. Modern day Guatemala is a mix of those Mayan influences with Spanish and regional influences.

Guatemalan cuisine consists of dishes made with the "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash), plantains, as well as papaya, mango, lime, and other produce that thrives in the hot and humid climate. Popular dishes include: Caldo de Res, Pepián (the national dish), and Kak’ik.

Guatemalan art is bursting with color! Landscapes, religious symbols, and wildlife are often the subject of paintings. Weaving and murailsm are common subcultures of their art - with a heavy emphasis on vividly dyed textiles. The performing arts are very popular and can be seen everywhere during Guatemalan Independence Day. Some dances are representative of major historic events, and many are performed by dancers in kaleidoscopic dress.

Colombia

The culture of Colombia blends Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences with a sense of pride in their roots. Even though there are distinct regional differences, all come together to celebrate their country and its culture and history.

Colombians pride themselves on their positivity and the ability to see the "silver lining" and enjoy life, even when they're under pressure. Many say that Colombians have a joy for life and the "rumbero spirit" is a widespread and national attitude.

Complimentary to the rumbero spirit, a lot of the music is upbeat; salsa, cumbia, vallenato, and pop music are all popular and can vary by region. The art often feels upbeat and lively. Though the African influence in Colombian music is prominent, the Spanish influence is more prominent in paintings.

Specifically, religious symbols in Spanish baroque styles are popular. The most popular artist is Fernando Botero, who paints in a style that includes exaggerated forms that feels like a mix of Colombian art styles with cubism. He describes himself as "the most Colombian of Colombian artists" and is often regarded as the most prominent living South American artist.

Peru

Peru is probably best known for its historic site, Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was a citadel of the ancient Inca Empire and the most famous Incan site.

Peruvian culture is heavily influenced by Incan roots and Spanish colonization. It is very ethnically diverse, due in large part to the introduction of Europeans, Chinese indentured servants, and African slaves to its already diverse mix of Indigenous peoples. This diversity is seen in the large array of languages, lifestyles, and the preference of many Peruvians to identify with their specific birthplace instead of a national identity.

However, there are some holidays that are nationally popular and celebrated; one of which is Fiesta Virgen de la Candelaria (Festival of Our Lady of Candelaria). This festival is held February 2 and lasts two weeks. The largest celebration is held in Puno, where thousands of dancers perform.

This festival celebrates the time when Puno was under attack by invaders in 1781. The citizens were scared and unsure how to respond, so they went to the streets in a Catholic procession. The procession scared off the invaders and saved the city. To commemorate this, many processions of the Virgin are performed, along with dances, music, and prayers.

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