HispanicHeritageEssaySA15

 Hispanic heritage, it runs through my veins and through the veins of my country. My country is full of different people from different parts of the world. A growing culture here is the Hispanic culture. Being a Puerto Rican raised in a place that is full of Hispanic culture, I know how important it is to keep Hispanic culture alive. I also know how important Hispanic culture influences or can help influence America. Through the way that they show their pride and through the way that they express themselves, Hispanics can influence the way that America thinks about their own culture.

Spain, a beautiful and rich country surrounded by beautiful coastlines and rich valleys. It is the first place I think about when someone says Hispanic culture. It is where our Hispanic roots stem from and where they flourish. To Spaniards, fashion is very important. One’s social standing is often portrayed through their outward appearance. I feel this is very important because they show that they value themselves and want to show others that they show others that they value themselves. When greeting one another, women give two kisses on the cheek whilst men greet with hugs or handshakes. A man only kisses women on the cheek. I also feel this is a great expression of Hispanic heritage because it shows how intimate and close we are to one another.

Argentina is filled with great towering buildings, beautiful mountains, and many historic sites. Like America, Argentinians believe in a form of the tooth fairy known as El Raton Perez. El Raton Perez comes into the night and takes away their teeth in exchange for some sweets or a few coins. Another tradition that Argentina has is the pulling of a child’s earlobes on their birthdays. One pull for every year of their life. I feel like these are very fun ways to celebrate a child’s accomplishments. In Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, you can find a café wherever you look. The cafes of Buenos Aires have had an important impact in the role of society, business and cultural life for more than 150 years. Each café provides a unique glimpse of history and heritage of the city. What a wonderful thing to have a bite of culture just around every street corner.

Mexico is a very old country known for its deep culture and many traditions. One of its most famous traditions is the quince. A quince is when a girl turns 15 and becomes a young woman. The girl’s father presents her to the world with a dance and this often signifies that she is ready to be married. The older daughter often gives her younger sister a doll to represent that she is living adolescence. Our version of this is known as a sweet sixteen, but family is not nearly as it is involved in Mexico. All flags have different meanings behind them. For Mexico, the colors represent different things. Green is for hope and fertility of the soil, white for purity, and red for the blood shed during the fight for independence. I believe these are beautiful reasons behind their flag, and it is also why it is one of my favorites.

El Salvador, though it may be small, but the heritage runs deep through its veins. During Good Friday, city streets are closed down and street artists create religious scenes using dyed sawdust, colored salt, and flowers. People are not afraid to share their culture and their religion. Religion and culture is rejoiced and celebrated. Art is abundant and the people are not afraid to spread their joy for faith. Rather than a small rat or a tiny fairy bringing treats and money, in El Salvador the father tells their child that if they put their baby tooth underneath their pillow, during the night a rabbit will come. The rabbit will take the tooth and leave some money for the child. These are just some of my favorite things about the culture in El Salvador.

Hispanic heritage to me means knowing that someone fought to get me the rights that I have here today. It means that I have a duty as a Hispanic to share my culture with my family and for many generations to come. Hispanic heritage is beautiful; it’s almost colorful in a way. Hispanic heritage should be kept alive just like every other culture should be kept alive in America. We’re a big melting pot introducing new flavors into our mix to make it better. Hispanic heritage should be kept alive so that we know where we came from. So that others know of our way of living and know how we see the world. Hispanic heritage to me is great and I love it. I really love my heritage. Do you love yours?

     Works Cited

"Argentina Facts and Culture." //Argentina Facts, Culture, Recipes, Language, Government, Eating, Geography, Maps, History, Weather, News, Economy, Family, Fashion, Events//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. <[]>. I know this is a valid source of information because it was recommended by my school.

"El Salvador Facts and Culture." //El Salvador Facts, Culture, Recipes, Language, Government, Eating, Geography, Maps, History, Weather, News, Economy, Family, Fashion, Events//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. <[]>. I know this is a valid source of information because it was recommended by my school

"Mexico Facts and Culture." //Mexico Facts, Culture, Recipes, Language, Government, Eating, Geography, Maps, History, Weather, News, Economy, Family, Fashion, Events//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. <[]>. I know this is a valid source of information because it was recommended by my teachers.

"Spain Facts and Culture." //Spain Facts, Culture, Recipes, Language, Government, Eating, Geography, Maps, History, Weather, News, Economy, Family, Fashion, Events//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. <[]>. I know this is a valid source of information because it was recommended by my school