Hispanics are an important demographic in the U.S. and are the second-largest minority group in the country. You may know a bit about their culture and way of life from their history, food, music, and how they are portrayed in movies and media. But are you familiar with the traditional clothing, flavorful foods, and ancient traditions celebrated within their culture?
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 nationally, is a time to observe the wonderful traditions, culture, and contributions of Hispanic/Latino people in the U.S. See some of the traditions and celebrations of this unique culture that continues to enrich our country.
CLOTHING
Rebozo
In many countries like Mexico and those in Central America and South America, it is common to see women dressed with a rebozo, an accessory typical to this culture. It is similar to a shawl or scarf that is handwoven and can be worn in many ways, typically around the back or shoulders or even wrapped around the head.
Rebozos are a complement to an outfit for special occasions, but it also has indigenous roots. Indigenous women still use the rebozo to carry a baby or large bundle, which allows for easier carrying. It began to be used in the early colonial period, although its exact place of origin is not known, and has indigenous, European, and Asian influences. The colors and patterns vary, and designs are either classic or indigenous. They are mostly made from cotton, wool, silk, or rayon and include a fringe.
Rebozos are a very traditional accessory for many Mexican women and are a national symbol. In Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, there is a museum called La Casa del Rebozo that you can visit to learn more about this traditional accessory.
Guayabera
Traditional attire for Hispanic men in countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and countries in Central America and South America, is the guayabera shirt, which is considered formalwear worn at weddings and offices. The guayabera shirt has become more popular in the U.S. in a more casual sense.
Although its origin is also unknown, historical evidence, however, suggests that the garment emerged in Cuba. The most frequently told origin story involves an 18th-century couple in the Cuban countryside. In this tale, the husband asks his wife to create a shirt with multiple pockets to store his belongings while working. *
The typical guayabera has intricate details in its design, which can be long or short sleeves with slits on the sides that have two or three buttons and a straight hem that should never be tucked in the pants. Additionally, it may have two or four patch pockets with two vertical rows of tiny pleats that run down the front of the shirt and three down the back. Mainly worn in white and pastels, they come in a variety of colors made of linen, cotton, or silk since they are considered summer shirts popular in hot and humid regions.
FOOD
You can think of several flavor-filled recipes when it comes to Hispanic food. Each Hispanic country has a variety of ingredients and traditional cooking methods that are sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a popular seafood dish mainly eaten as an appetizer that can be seen prepared in parts of Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and other regions of the Pacific coast. It traces its roots to Peru, where it is considered a national dish. The idea of mixing raw fish with citrus juices, vinegar, and spices was historically brought to America from Spain and is associated with the Muslim heritage in Spanish cuisine.
Ceviche generally consists of fresh raw fish or shrimp prepared with lots of lime and citrus juice, chopped onions, cilantro, salt and pepper, and some spices or chili peppers can be added to give it a boost of flavor.
In Veracruz, Mexico, it is served as ceviche cocktail called “Vuelve a la Vida” that includes fish, clams, oysters, octopus and other types of seafood served in a cocktail glass with tostadas, tostada chips, or saltine crackers and slices of ripe avocado. Since it is eaten raw, this dish must be eaten immediately after preparing to prevent food poisoning. It is rather simple to prepare, so consider trying this delicious menu option for a refreshing meal.
TRADITIONS
Piñata
One of the most common Mexican traditions that has attracted more attention in the last few years and is now used as a game at parties or celebrations here in the U.S. is the piñata. You will typically see a piñata used in Mexico and other Hispanic countries at fiestas, parties, and get-togethers with family and friends when celebrating milestone events like children’s birthdays.
Piñatas are usually hung from a tree and the custom is that children are blindfolded and turned around to purposely make them dizzy, then they must attempt to use a long wooden stick to hit and break open the piñata and let all the candies, fruits, and treats hidden inside fall to the ground so the other children can grab and take as many as they can.
Now mainly made of cardboard and decorated with brightly colored paper-mâché, piñatas in ancient times during the Aztec and Mayan civilizations were originally made from clay pots made in the shape of the gods. Today they are not exclusive to children’s birthday parties anymore and can be seen used as games at parties with adults participating in the piñata breaking.
Día de Muertos
Many of you may be familiar with the movie “Coco” that became very popular a few years back. This film was able to perfectly describe and explain the tradition of Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead, a holiday deeply rooted and unique to the Hispanic culture. Mostly associated with the country of Mexico, other countries like Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela commemorate this special date as well.
Tracing back to 3,000 years ago, Día de Muertos was a festival celebrated by indigenous cultures at the beginning of summer, but the celebration was moved after Spanish colonization in the 16th century to coincide with the Christian holidays of All Saints’ Eve on October 31, All Saints’ Day on November 1, and All Souls’ Day on November 2.
Día de Muertos is meant to remember and celebrate the lives of people that have died and passed on to the afterlife. In traditional Mexican custom, people visit cemeteries and decorate the graves in the form of altars with ofrendas or offerings honoring their deceased family members that includes food, drink, fruits, and treats that were favorites of that person.
People participate in prayer, local parades, and community events that include music and dancing. They believe the spirits of their loved ones come to visit the altar and enjoy the offerings after the long journey to reunite with their family from the afterlife. In recent years, the celebration has gained popularity in the U.S.
* http://www.historymiami.org/wp-content/themes/historymiami/assets/guayabera.html