
Today five Central American nations--
Costa Rica,
El Salvador,
Guatemala,
Honduras, and
Nicaragua--celebrate 188 years of independence. On this day in 1821, Central American notables accepted a plan drafted by Mexican
caudillo Agustín de Iturbide that declared the five nations free from Spain. Today in Central America most people celebrate their independence much as we in the U.S. do on July 4th: a day off from school and work, full of parades, picnics, parties, and patriotism.
Here in the U.S., today also marks the start of
National Hispanic Heritage Month during which communities around the U.S. celebrate the diverse and dynamic Hispanic culture. Here in D.C., some of my favorite activities related to Hispanic Heritage Month include the National Zoo's
Fiesta Musical this Sunday, September 20th, from 11-5 p.m. Admission is free, so you can enjoy lots of Latin music and dance at the zoo's band shell, buy some authentic Latin cuisine, and browse the colorful arts and crafts for sale.

Later
in the month, on Sunday, September 27th, from 11-7 p.m., the D.C.
neighborhood of Mount Pleasant celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with
its
Fiesta DC, the 38th annual
Latino festival. They'll be lots of tasty Latin cuisine and more arts
and crafts stands. Community organizations set up booths and
distribute educational information. The most popular event at the
festival is the "parade of nations": men, women, and children from the
many nations of Latin America don their countries' folkloric dress
and stroll Mount Pleasant street to traditional music. The Brazilians,
in their samba feathers and finery, are the most popular, especially
among the young men in the crowd.
How does your community celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?Photos: Top, Mount Pleasant Festival, courtesy of Sara Almgren; Bottom, Fiesta Musical courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo, Mehgan Murphy
Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance we as a people (and others) to celebrate our accomplishments. It's a chance to learn about us as well. Here in philly we have festivals, exhibitions and more:
http://press.gophila.com/releases/dear-hispanic-traveler-y-familia-celebrate-your-heritage-in-philadelphia
Hi Eric, Many hispanics have lost their lives fighting for this country because they value it and the people within it. The spanish culture influences a variety of areas such as music, food, language. Most languages are rooted in Latin. It is always good to learn about other cultures if we expect the same consideration when we visit other countries. Differences are what makes life interesting.Atlantic City Powerboat Show 2009
Happy indipendance day to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras citizens . Nice photos and nice blogging .
http://betterblog.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tips-for-first-time-overseas
I think it will be a great fun to be there at the time of celebration. Really very nice photos.