Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15-October 15. It is the anniversary of Independence for five Latin American Countries: Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua & Honduras.In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.  The term Hispanic refers to Spanish speaking people in the U.S. of any race.         (Courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau).

Although I am not from any of these countries, I am 100% Boricua (Puerto Rican) – 1st generation.  In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month my beautiful hija (daughter) and I will celebrate by reading some of our favorite Spanish book and pick up some new ones.

       

This is also a great time to get Buggy to start eating some of the traditional Hispanic food I grew up eating.  Ok, who am I kidding. I am Ameri-cua (American-Boricua). My sisters and I were born and raised here and although they are big on the Rican food I am really not.  Yes I eat my rice and beans and I love my Tostones (fried plantains) and papas relleno (stuffed potato balls) and don’t forget pinchos, ok and a few other things but I do not eat the more traditional foods such as Mofongo, Bacalao, Morcilla.

My Mami & Papi made sure that no matter where we go, we always knew where we came from and wanted us to connect with our Hispanic culture – whether we wanted to or not.

If you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, I hope you have a safe and happy time.

Irene