Latino-Hispanic Identity and Traditions
Black and Latino Workshops at the Social Forum
Latinos Incógnitos
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15 - October 15)
Hispanic Heritage Month evolved from a Congressional declaration of Hispanic Heritage week in 1968. It was to be celebrated during the week of September 15th and 16th, covering a wide number of Independence Days for Latin American countries. On September 15th, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence. On September 16th, Mexico celebrates its independence. In 1988, the celebration of Hispanic heritage was officially extended to 31 days. Now it includes the independence of Chile on September 18th, and Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) on October 12th. The final holiday recognizes the first immigration of Hispanic ancestors from the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe/Africa/Asia) to the Americas.Add a comment
Cascarones
Many cultures have a tradition of colored eggs, especially around Easter. In Mexico it's common to see colored eggs thrown at fiestas during carnaval, just before lent. They're not hard boiled like the eggs in the US Easter egg tradition. Instead they're eggs that have been hollowed out and have a surprise filling - called cascarones. It's a tradition that's said to originate in Italy, when men would toss hollow eggs filled with perfume at women they were attracted to. In Mexico, you can still see this behavior among young men and women.
Add a comment¿Hispanic or Latino?
One of the most popular debates and one of the least likely to be solved - ¿Hispanic or Latino?
The Spanish have a fine tradition of labels. In the old days, the 1500s, status was determined by where you were born and where your ancestors were born. Those at the highest level were the peninsulares because they were born in Spain. Right behind them were the criollos Criollos had pure Spanish ancestry but were born in the Americas. Today, much like the subjects of Queen Isabella in 1492, Hispanics/Latinos can be of "pure" Spanish blood, or various combinations of American Indian, African, Asian and European.
Add a commentLegally Hispanic
Many people believe that tracking Hispanics originated in the 1970s after an arbitrary decision by Nixon. In reality, it was a decision that Latino civil rights groups lobbied for over several years.
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Día de los Niños, April 30th
When people think of Hispanic holidays celebrated in the United States, one of the most important ones never comes to mind. The day in question is neither Cinco de Mayo or el Día de los Muertos, and it's likely to become a national holiday. El Día de los Niños is the latest gift from the Latino community to mainstream US culture.
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