Several Latin American Countries celebrate their Independence Day as National Hispanic Heritage
Month begins.
Between September 15 and October 15, the United States of America celebrates the culture and traditions of those Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
The American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1798 were inspirational historic events for the revolutions and independences of many Latin American nations. A few individuals took charge and helped lead armies against the Spanish Viceroyalty in the early 1800’s and decades later they had nations of their own.
In the early hours of September 16, 1810, father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators -Ignacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortíz de Domínguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years. And this is the moment that every September 16 is reenacted in every plaza of Mexico, and is commemorated by Mexicans all over the world.
Argentina’s “Día de la Independencia” was declared on July 9, 1816 when an Independent Congress met at Tucumán and issued a formal declaration of independence from Spain.
In Bolivia, Independence was earned on August 6, 1822. The country was named after it’s liberator, Simón Bolivar.
Although not a Spanish-speaking country, Brazil officially declared independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822 , the day when Brazil’s Dom Pedro officially declared independence.
Chile celebrates its “Independence Day” on September 18, or Dieciocho as they call it. Festivities occur across the country for the days before and after with drinking, food, parades, and music. Independence officially came in 1818, but was originally declared in 1810.
Colombia is one of just a few countries that celebrate two dates for Independence Day. One is July 20, marking when Independence was declared, the other is August 7 (1819,) which marks the final battle against the Spanish, the Battle of Boyacá.
In Ecuador, August 10, 1809 marked South America’s first uprising against Spain. The date is celebrated in Quito and the rest of the country, while Guayaquil celebrates on October 9.
Paraguay’s “Dia de la Indpendencia” is celebrated on May 15 (1811), although the population takes the 14th off as well for an extended party of parades and dancing.
On July 28, 1821 Peru declared its independence from Spain which led to war of Independence that lasted for two years. Peruvians celebrate the holiday on the 28th and also do not work on the 29th.
Uruguay declared Independence on August 25, 1825 after the Brazil-Argentina War as the country declared Independence from newly formed Brazil.
Venezuela’s Independence from Spain was originally declared on July 5, 1811 although it wasn’t until a decade later that Simon Bolivar actually liberated the country.
These are the dates that Latin Americans and American Hispanics remember with festivities and affection, as part of their heritage. In the case of American Hispanics, like all other Americans, July 4 continues to be our common and much celebrated “Independence Day.”
It was in great part because of our U.S. Founding Fathers and their revolution for independence and freedom in 1776 that Latin American peoples decided to fight for their own independence.
As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, Americans-–whether of Hispanic origin or not- would do well understanding the greatness of the United States of America and the opportunities that year after year, it gives to peoples around the world.
Hispanic Heritage month is a time for all Americans to celebrate the glory of the American melting pot: one that makes the United States such an exceptional nation.
The Americano
