HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

From September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic people all around the country. It starts on September 15th, because the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained independence on that day in 1821. Also, Mexico and Chile gained independence shortly after. Just like any other country, Mexico has several traditions that they celebrate throught the year. Beckham students, Marlen Valadez, Laura Castillo, and Christain Hernandez explain about some of their favorite family traditions and celebrations. 

Marlen Valadez Explains Mexican Traditions

Day of the dead: The day of the dead is celebrated november 2, In Mexico it is taken as going to visit our loved one that have passed away, In school the students often make altares to cherish our loved ones. A church ceremony is held for the dead and afterwards we walk to the cemetery and pray to the dead.

Quinceanera: This tradition is when a girl turns 15 they throw a huge party celebrating her going from a girl to a women they have many things planned for that day for this party including a church ceremony, a dad and daughter dance and even mother and daughter dance,the quinceanera also does a huge dance for a guess and many more to celebrate each family does different things but the basics are having a huge party and a beautiful dress.

The Traditional Pilgrimage to The Virgin of Guadalupe: December 12th is the day we celebrate la virgin de Guadadupe also known as Virgin Mary. This day is dedicated to her,they have church ceremonies for her all day and also have parades to celebrate her. They have dances for her and decorate a float with a bunch of flowers with her picture and show it all over the town.

LAURA CASTILLO TALKS ABOUT El 7 De Velitas 

One tradition is El 7 De Velitas, a Colombian tradition celebrated on December 7th to honor the Virgin Mary.  “This tradition is very important in my home country, Colombia. Each 7th of december we light candles from different colors in the memory of the Virgin Maria and show how grateful we are for the blessing we have had through the year. My family and I love this holiday and we get really excited. Each year we make candle holders to get ready for it. Each candle that we light is a goal that we want to accomplish and dreams we want to come true. We ask for health and protection for our loved ones and we open up our Christmas season. This celebration can also be seen as a moment where we celebrate with our family and friends, we share food, stories and laughs. Each year becomes a memory and each reunion is a blessing.” Laura Castillo

MEET CHRISTAIN HERNANDEZ:

1. Favorite thing to do after school:

Play video games and watch movies/ t.v. shows

2.Where do you work?

Boone Hall Plantation/ Fright Night

3. Where is your family originally from?

Guadalajara, Mexico

4. Have you been to Mexico before?

I was born there.  I moved her when I was about 7 years old.

5. What does it feel like to be a senior?

It feels like I have a lot of freedom.  My classes are pretty chill, not as hard as last year.

Fun fact: Both of my parents speak fluent Spanish and so do I.  We speak mostly Spanish at home.  I can also understand a little French and Italian.