As Latine Heritage Month grows closer, the pride and celebration of all aspects of Latin culture bloom. Visual arts, music, dance and storytelling are all vital parts of each country’s history and significance. Yet, you may wonder, what are these celebrations like? How do different countries commemorate such significant historical feats?
Eight Latin American countries, including Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico and Chile, gained independence from Spain or Portugal during the month of September from 1808 to 1826, making Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 the most significant and dense part of yearly heritage celebrations. Festivities occur mid-month, while many other countries such as Bolivia and the Dominican Republic observe their own independence days in July, August and November.
During these important days, dances are performed in national stadiums and streets, rodeos go on in the Andes and torch relays are carried out—all key traditional practices that have gone on for over 100 years—that make these celebrations so unique and rich with culture. In order to better understand the variety of festivities, we must look closer into a few countries.
In the vibrant country of Mexico, Independence Day celebrations begin the night of Sept. 15, with the Grito de Dolores. The famous event is recreated each year with a speech from the president in honor of the original, which called to arms the people of Mexico to fight for independence in 1810. In the 24 hours that follow, a myriad of colors, dances and parades erupt. Floats that depict historical scenes traverse the streets, folkloric dances such as Jarabe Tapatio—Mexico’s national dance—are performed, Mariachi bands play music, and traditional attire is worn. Some examples of clothing on display include China Poblana dresses, Charro suits and Huipil dresses. Throughout the country, customary foods are served, including chiles en nogada, mole poblano, enchiladas and tamales. Fireworks are a staple during celebrations as well.
Further south in Guatemala, there are some similar and some very unique celebrations. The most significant event during celebrations is the torch relay across the country, commemorating Maria Dolores Bedoya running through the streets announcing Central America’s independence in 1821. The torch is lit in Guatemala City and carried through the streets by special government-approved students or groups from all over the country to Antigua, Guatemala. Lots of other festivities go on, in which dances like La Conquista—a Mayan-themed dance with red wigs and masks—are performed and food such as tamales, plantains and dobladas are served. The day is finished with firework ceremonies and family gatherings.
Though their independence day is not in September, the Dominican Republic celebrates their day in February with remarkable pride and vibrancy. The day overlaps with the Carnival season on the island, so costumed performances and festivities are already taking place, adding onto the vivid atmosphere of the event. Starting on Feb. 27, Independence Day parades all over the country begin with the performance of the national dance of Merengue, especially in the capital city of Santo Domingo. There, ceremonies involving floats, marching bands and flag-raising take place while the community unites to participate and enjoy traditional foods like mangu and sancocho.
Down in South America stands Chile, the longest country in the world, which has many traditions throughout regions spanning its vertical 2,653 mile length. The most prominent celebrations occur in the capital of Santiago, while others occur in the countryside, deserts and mountain ranges. Celebrations run from Sept. 18 to 19. Universal Chilean festivities include performances of the national dance, Cueca, as well as parades with flags and music. To demonstrate communal unity, families serve traditional food (fondas) like meat empanadas (pino), chilean asados (choripanes, completos) and pastel de choclo. Other regions have their own specific events, especially the countryside and in the Andes, where rodeos are hosted and performed by huasos/huasas—Chilean culture’s cowboys.
However, at this point you may be thinking: Does being away from your home country or country of heritage make it more difficult to celebrate such an important day? If not, what makes it most meaningful? Vassar College students from our very own Latine Student Union (LSU) shared their favorite parts of their respective cultures’ celebrations. We heard from Veronica Paez ’30, of Dominican heritage, and Dilia Sandoval ’30, of Guatemalan heritage.
Not far from Vassar, New York City stands as a cultural beacon for hundreds of communities with diverse backgrounds. It hosts the largest Dominican population outside of the Dominican Republic. According to Paez, who is from New York City, being away from the Dominican Republic does not make celebrating more difficult at all. When asked about what was significant to her and what she enjoyed about festivities, she responded, “My favorite aspect would probably be the music and seeing everyone around me in cultural clothes and with flags.”
When asked about her favorite aspects of Guatemalan Independence Day celebrations, Sandoval talked about her family. “We do a huge cookout and eat traditional foods. Lots of rice, beans, cheese, as well as enchiladas and tostadas,” she said. Sandoval also mentioned that they watch the capital city’s parades on TV.
Sandoval said that it is very important to her to celebrate the holiday and her heritage. She comes from an Afro-Latin tribe, the Garifuna people, in Guatemala, who are very underrepresented in both the country and the media. The festivities are very important to celebrate such a rich and beautiful part of Guatemalan culture that can be easily overlooked.
These cultures surround us at Vassar, and fill our student body with experience and diversity. As Latine Heritage Month begins, take notice of the spirit and celebrations that happen on campus, spend time hearing about stories from your peers and appreciate the vibrancy of the month!