HispanicHeritageEssayLJ115

Hispanics. You can find them all over the world. Spain, Cuba, Ecuador, Argentina, El Salvador and dozens of other countries are considered Hispanic countries. These countries have many diverse and unique traditions and customs that are quite different from the ways things are done here. But thousands of Hispanics have moved to the U.S., and brought their country's traditions with them. Hispanic heritage should be kept alive in the U.S, and worldwide, because it's a big part of what makes the United States a diverse melting pot. This will explain a few traditions from Hispanic countries that I believe should be kept alive, along with hundreds of others.

Spain is a very interesting country, that I happen to personally be very interested in. One of their traditions that particularly stands out to me is an event they have yearly. On the first Wednesday of August every year, in Buñol, everyone gathers to throw tomatoes at each other. It was originally because the acidic tomatoes did provide a method of cleaning, because of their acidity. The event is mostly for enjoyment, though. Another tradition that caught my eye was their version of the 'tooth fairy'. Instead of a fairy, Spanish children believe that a small mouse called Ratoncito Perez comes to take the teeth they lose, replacing them with money or candy. I find Spain's traditions extremely interesting, and there is no reason that they shouldn't be kept around.

Cuba is one of the first countries that pops into my head when I think of a Hispanic country, probably because that's where my family is from. Cuba isn't known for being a large or powerful country, but it's traditions are widely spread throughout Florida. One tradition that they have is quinceneras. A quincenera is a party thrown on a girl's fifteenth birthday. The traditional purpose of the celebration was to announce the girl's readiness for marriage, of course that would be slightly unreasonable in the modern day, but quinceneras are still celebrated by thousands each year.

Ecuador is a fascinating country in my opinion. One of South America's largest cathedrals is located there. This cathedral is called El Catedral de la Immaculada, or translated, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It was built between 1885 and 1967 and is a beautiful church. This cathedral shows the countries devotion to religion, which I think is important to the culture of any country.

Argentina is a country with an extremely rich culture. They have many traditions and qualities that make them very unique and diverse. One day that they celebrate is a Day of Friendship, it is celebrated July 20th every year. The country's people celebrate that day by giving each other presents and going out. This holiday shows the country's devotion to friendship, and their care towards other people. Over 300,000 Jews live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This makes them the place with the second largest Jewish population in the Americas. I find this interesting because it also shows that they value their religion there. Cafes in Buenos Aires are very important to their culture. The cafes are all a look into the cultural heritage of the city, and are important to social and business life there.

El Salvador is the last country that particularly interests me, as far as their culture. The one specific tradition that they celebrate occurs during Good Friday. On Good Friday all the city streets close, and street artists gather to create religious scenes with dyed sawdust, colored salt, and flowers. This shows that the people of El Salvador truly cherish and care about their religion. They want to publicly show their care for Christ, and aren't afraid to do it. It doesn't cause riots or fights, and this shows the country's unity in their beliefs, which I think is absolutely amazing.

After listing many of the traditions and cultural attributes of several Hispanic, Spanish speaking countries, I will explain my personal beliefs as to why Hispanic heritage should be kept alive. Hispanics are spread all throughout the Unites States, and all over the world. Wherever they go, they bring a bit of their culture with them. Where they bring their culture, the culture spreads, and can become an important part of the culture of the area where it's spread. As the traditions further spread, the people there adapt to having them, and they truly contribute to society. If the Hispanic culture was not kept alive, the world would be rid of so many special and unique traditions, many of which have been around since the time of our ancestors.

I truly can't imagine a world without Hispanic traditions and culture. It's so important in my personal life and I know it's just as important in the lives of millions of other people. You don't have to be of Hispanic background to be affected by Hispanic heritage, we all are at some point. The world would be so greatly affected if it hadn't had been kept alive, and I'm very grateful that it has been. This is why I believe Hispanic heritage should be kept alive.