The History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the start of September, and ends in mid-october as a month long celebration. However, it wasn’t always like this. Originating on September 17th, 1968, President B. Johnson declared that September 15th would mark the start of Hispanic Heritage week. With it only lasting 7 days it wasn’t enough time to truly appreciate all the outstanding Hispanic role models there were. Finally, 20 years later, Hispanic Heritage month was born. This month is very important because it celebrates all different kinds of hispanic cultures and traditions.
Peru
Located on the west coast of South America, Peru isn’t often thought of as the best travel destination. However, its breathtaking scenery of mountains and lush forest prove otherwise. There are absolutely stunning landmarks such as the Gocta Waterfall that is over 771 meters tall, and extremely cultural sights like Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. All of which are completely unique to Peru, making every landmark something truly special. Mrs. Zern, a Spanish teacher here at JMS, titles Peru as her favorite country. She says Peru is “just so culturally unique,” especially compared to other hispanic countries. Their food is definitely one of the more unique items there. Unexpectedly, Peruvian food has a heavy Asian influence. When Mrs. Zern visited, she was surprised when she was given the chance to eat both guinea pig and alpaca! That’s certainly not what most have in mind as hispanically cultured food. Though, it’s the people and their way of life that really make Peru such a magical place.
All the way up in the mountains in Lake Titicaca, the native people survive and thrive on islands floating along the lake where they must, “weave their islands every two weeks because the grass disintegrates in the water,” according to Mrs. Zern. Other people live in the great mountains of Machu Picchu. Getting to the top in the first place is “this great experience,” but definitely a journey. First, you have to fly to Cusco, then take a train to Aguas Calientes, to make your final step by taking a bus to Citadel. However, the journey is worth it. Mrs. Zern was amazed saying “you’re above the clouds,” and when you see how the people live up there “you wonder why, why up here?” This country is truly one of a kind.
Guatemala
Guatemala is known for its Mayan history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscape. As Glendy Barrios, an 8th grader here at JMS said, “(Guatemala) appreciates every culture, when we meet anyone from any country we treat them like family”.
Guatemala was originally inhabited by the Maya civilization and they still make up about 51% of their population. The Maya were famous for their advanced writing system, their knowledge of science, and the invention of zero. They were also known for their beautiful architecture, which are mostly still there today! While the Maya was there first, The Spanish Conquest led by Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala and claimed it as a part of “New Spain” which is now present-day Mexico and central america. After that Guatemala was a part of the Spanish empire for almost three centuries. Then, Guatemala declared independence on September 15, 1821. Although Guatemala has many tourist attractions, it also has around 37 recognised volcanoes. Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito are the three main examples of active volcanoes. You can take a guided hike up these mountains and get to see a real volcano. Another tourist attraction is Tikal National Park, which are well-preserved Mayan ruins dating back to around 700 BCE. Tikal National Park is also home to over 300 species of birds and 200 species of trees. This National park is so important for remembering the Mayan culture and the way that they lived.
Mexico
Mexico is the most famous hispanic country in the world, yet there are a shocking amount of facts many don’t know about their culture and way of life. An example of this is the amount of traditions Mexico celebrates for religion. Instead of the traditional attendance to church and other places of worship, a common celebration, for those of the Catholic religion, is Candlemas. Taking place on February second each year, many celebrate with food, such as tamales, and light many candles in the hope of protection.
It isn’t a question that Mexico is full of many stunning landmarks that have been around for centuries. However, not many people have heard of the Copper Canyon. Located in the North Western part of Mexico in Chihuahua, the Copper Canyon is both bigger and deeper than America’s Grand Canyon. Although it might look like one giant canyon it is actually a group of six canyon systems that have been brought together. A true natural phenomenon.
In the more known city of Acapulco, professional divers perform death defying
tricks along the coves. From dives into narrow trenches, to crazy flips in the sky, they make sure every act is a sight to behold.
Spicy is a word commonly associated with Mexican food. While it is true that Mexican food definitely has a kick, it is a lot hotter than many tourists think. In heavily touristed areas, most of the Mexican food you will find won’t be authentic, for they often cut down on the spice level. If you go to a lesser known city however, you are sure to find extremely spicy food that will “burn your mouth up,” according to Ms. Valencia, a Spanish teacher here at JMS. Authentic Mexican food is paired great with traditional Mexican Mariachi music. The loud, but beautiful music fills the streets everywhere you go. That’s certainly music to my ears!
Chile
When you think of Chile, desert probably isn’t what comes to mind. Then it may come as a surprise to you that Chile has the driest desert in the world. In fact, 25% of Chile is full of sandy, dry land. Although this land seems uninhabitable and hard to live on, many indigenous people call it their home. These people are called the Actacameño (pronounced Ah-tah-kah-MEH-nyoh), and surprisingly they are known for their agriculture. Aquifers, in past years, have been the Actacameño’s main source of water. However, in recent years they have increased their technology, and have been able to take advantage of the fog in the atmosphere for water! With a surprising surplus of water, they have been able to run their economy on crops such as corn, beans, and quinoa. Although, the other 75% of Chile’s land is full of fertile forests and mountain ranges.
Far south you can even see glaciers floating along the fresh water lakes and by the Pacific Ocean!
The people living in the past of Chile are not the only interesting part about their history. Ms. Valencia, a Spanish teacher here at JMS who has been to Chile, explains that Chile is a really skinny country because of the obstacles they would have to face if they continued toward Argentina. “There were such massive mountains,” that Chilean soldiers deemed the Argentinean land wasn’t worth it. In the end they essentially “just decided ‘yeah were done’” according to Ms. Valencia. Leaving Chile with a long narrow piece of land.
Chile currently has a much more modern approach to their way of life, but they never forgot their history. Focused on improving work life for many of their citizens Chile still continues to make their land a better place. Hosting festivals that include art, music, and religious traditions formed by the indigenous people to keep their roots in the present.
Panama
With one of the most famous canals in the world, Panama is one of the most environmentally diverse places ever. Their canal is full of exocytic animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, Bradypus sloths, and mannequins? Along the cargo ships passing through the canal, are groups of mannequins used to scare off pirates. When thieving sailors try to steal the cargo off of the ships, the mannequins are a ruse to make them think that someone is patrolling the area, when really it’s just a plastic body. Although, the open water canals are not the only landmarks Panama had to offer. The country is also Filled with rain forests, mountains, beaches, and islands to explore. Wildlife also takes on a big role in the culture of Panama. When Ms. Vanderwalker, an art teacher at JMS, visited Panama she saw many animals that are of novelty in other countries.
Including one of the most poisonous frogs in the world, the poison dart frog. They had created a habitat beside the road in an area where “kids walk on the side of the park!” The people of Panama are so used to the unique and diverse animals, that they rarely bat an eye to creatures we would find incredibly dangerous. Even Ms. Vanderwalker “thought they were going to be this elusive thing,” Yes, all the kids know to stay away from the poisonous creatures, but being in such close proximity to them is something many cultures would gasp at. With such a diverse country it is apparent that Panama takes pride in its environment. Which is why they have a very popular biomuseum to showcase their most impressive wildlife. Ranging from overpopulated creatures roaming Panama today, all the way to animals that have been extinct for centuries, this museum makes sure to educate everyone on it all.
Although, centuries ago it seems to be closer to their daily life than you might think. Some native to Panama “still live in huts, they live without electricity…” Living without electricity is a novelty for most Americans, especially since many can’t survive a couple of hours without it. However, Panama still sees the past as a way of life, to live with the land instead of on it. They want to protect their environment, instead of harming it like many other places do. Their ecosystems are an important aspect of their life that they refuse to let down.