Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th to pay tribute to the Hispanic Americans that have positively influenced the United States. The dates for this celebration were chosen because September 15th is the anniversary of independence for some Latin American countries.
September 15th Independence Anniversary
Costa Rica
Costa Rica was a country that was conquered by Spain and was very active in the slave trade. They never fought for independence but rather gained their independence when Guatemala declared independence for all the countries in Central America in 1821. In the Mexican War of Independence the challenge that followed after was deciding whether to remain independent or join the Mexican empire which caused a lot of disagreement and led to the Costa Rican Civil War. Finally after years of fighting, the country became fully sovereign and celebrated their Independence September 15.
El Salvador
Similar to Costa Rica, in 1821 many of Central America nations declared their independence. Though there was a United Provinces of Central America which was formed of five states in 1823. Soon in 1839, El Salvador declared themselves an independent republic. In the 1980s, the United States supported the Salvadorian government against Socialist forces as there was a raging Civil War occurring within the country.
Guatemala
Guatemala was the home of the Mayan culture which were soon colonized in the 1520s. Then they soon had control of all the states in Central America. They unlike many other nations did not have to fight a war to become independent. In September 15, 1821, they signed “The Act of Independence of Central America” which led to the independence of Central America from Spain.
Honduras
The same document was signed to free Honduras from Spain and they also did not fight in any wars to become independent. They did become a part of the First Mexican Empire. In doing so they were not completely free to govern themselves until 1823 where they gained their independence from Mexico.
Nicaragua
Again they were granted the same independence status through “The Act of Independence of Central America.” Similar to Honduras they joined the Mexican Empire to grow as a nation and become a part of the United Provinces of Central America. Though they were not completely free until 1838 where they are a fully independent nation.
The above mentioned countries were all granted their independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821. On September 9th, Guatemala lights the Torch of Independence and carries it by foot through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and ends in Cartago, Costa Rica on the eve of independence day, September 14th.
September 16th Independence Anniversary
Mexico
On September 16, 1810, there was a revolution to obtain independence in Mexico from the Spanish government. This movement was known as the “Grito de Dolores.” The fight towards independence started because of a respected Catholic priest ould declared war against the Spanish government as he wanted equality and freedom for the people of Mexico. Another reason was the racial inequality that flooded the nation which separated the Spanish and the Indigenous people. From one single priest who called onto the public to fight for their independence now every single year on September 16th, Mexico celebrates their freedom.
September 18th Independence Anniversary
Chile
On September 18, 1810, Chile like many other countries declared their freedom from the Spanish colonial powers. This simple declaration led to decades of war and violence that did not end until 1826. The people of Chile grew tired of the corruption happening in the government and they saw how surrounding nations fought and declared their independence, that they gained the courage to do so.
