Hispanic Heritage Month & Latin American Independence Celebrations

September marks a festive season of pride and cultural celebration for Latin American communities around the world. In the United States, National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15 and runs through October 15 each year. This period celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Fittingly, the start of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with several Latin American countries’ Independence Days. Around mid-September, nations including Mexico, much of Central America, Chile, and even Brazil commemorate their independence, sparking enthusiastic festivals both at home and across diaspora communities abroad.

In this article, we explore the vibrant traditions of these independence celebrations, how Latino diaspora communities honor their heritage overseas, and the role of remittances in supporting family festivities. In the final section, we’ll also highlight how sendvalu’s services can help families stay connected and celebrate together across borders.

Hispanic Heritage Month: A Celebration of Heritage and Freedom

National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. begins each year on September 15, a date chosen very deliberately. On that day in 1821, five Central American nations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) all declared independence from Spain. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively. By starting on September 15 and extending to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month manages to include all these anniversaries, as well as Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) on October 12. The celebration originated as a commemorative week in 1968 and was later expanded to a month in 1988 by President Reagan. It serves not only to recognize the independence milestones of Latin American nations, but also to honor the influence and achievements of Hispanic Americans throughout U.S. history.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, communities across the U.S. host cultural events, exhibits, concerts, and educational activities. It’s a time to celebrate Latino culture and pride, often highlighted by festivals featuring Latin American music, dance, and cuisine. Importantly, it’s also an occasion for the millions of Americans of Latin American origin to reflect on their family histories and the journeys of their ancestors. Because many Latin American independence days fall within this period, the themes of freedom and national pride are strongly woven into Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. For example, cities with large Latino populations might kick off the month with events like El Grito (the Cry of Independence) ceremonies or parades honoring various countries’ days of independence. In this way, Hispanic Heritage Month becomes a bridge connecting Latino Americans to their countries of origin, allowing them to rejoice in the freedom and cultural richness those countries achieved and continue to cherish.

Brazil’s Independence Day (September 7): “Sete de Setembro”

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, celebrates its Independence Day on September 7, known in Portuguese as Sete de Setembro. This holiday commemorates September 7, 1822, when Prince Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal with his legendary cry of “Independência ou Morte!” (“Independence or Death!”) on the banks of the Ipiranga River. Brazil’s path to independence was relatively unique in Latin America: it was a peaceful transition compared to the bloody wars elsewhere, and it led to the formation of the Brazilian Empire under Dom Pedro rather than an immediate republic. Nonetheless, the significance of that moment in 1822 is deeply ingrained in Brazilian national memory, and every year Brazilians take great pride in celebrating their freedom and sovereignty.

Independence Day in Brazil, also simply called Dia da Independência, is a public holiday marked by both official ceremonies and popular festivities. The day’s hallmark events are the military parades held in major cities. In the capital, Brasília, a grand parade unfolds along the Esplanada dos Ministérios, showcasing all branches of the armed forces. Soldiers in crisp dress uniforms march in formation, tanks and military vehicles roll by, and aerial squadrons sometimes fly overhead trailing smoke in the green, yellow, and blue of the Brazilian flag. The President of Brazil typically presides over the parade, reviewing the troops and delivering a speech highlighting national achievements and unity. Similar (though smaller) parades and civic ceremonies take place simultaneously in state capitals and cities across the country. Schools and government offices are closed, and many buildings are draped with the national colors. In towns, one might see students participating in flag-raising ceremonies or marching with school bands, as local communities also honor the day with pride.

While the morning is often dedicated to these solemn patriotic displays, the rest of the day sees more relaxed cultural celebrations. Brazilians love a good gathering, and Independence Day is an opportunity for families and friends to come together. Music and dance are integral to Brazilian culture, and even on Independence Day, you’ll find plenty of it. In various cities, especially in neighborhoods and parks, there may be stages or shows de rua (street shows) featuring samba, forró, and other Brazilian music genres, giving people a chance to dance and enjoy themselves after the formal events. Some communities host folk performances or reenactments of the “Grito do Ipiranga” for educational flair, and museums often offer free entry and special exhibits about Brazil’s history.

The Brazilian diaspora, found in places as far-flung as the United States, Japan, and Europe, also celebrates Sete de Setembro with enthusiasm. Brazilian communities abroad organize events that mirror home traditions while also sharing their culture with local friends. For example, cities like New York, Boston, and Tokyo have hosted Brazilian Day festivities or Independence Day parades around the first week of September. These events often feature samba schools or dance troupes parading in vibrant costumes, performing capoeira (the Afro-Brazilian martial art dance), and playing lively rhythms on drums. It’s common to find an open-air stage with Brazilian musicians belting out axé or MPB songs, turning a foreign city square into a mini-Carnaval for the day.

Celebrating Sete de Setembro abroad serves a dual purpose: it strengthens the Brazilian community’s camaraderie, and it also introduces Brazilian culture to others. In many countries, locals join the festivities out of curiosity or friendship, enjoying the samba and barbecue and learning about Brazil’s history along the way. As one description of Brazilian Independence Day abroad noted, these events “allow Brazilians abroad to stay connected with their heritage while sharing it with the world.” By the end of the day, whether in São Paulo or in a diaspora hub like Nagoya or Newark, Brazilians will have proudly echoed the sentiment of their independence: celebrating freedom with music, dance, and unwavering patriotism.

Central America’s Independence Day (September 15): Five Nations, One Celebration

Central America shares a unique and historic Independence Day: on September 15, 1821, the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua jointly declared independence from Spanish rule. This date marks the dissolution of Spanish authority in the region (then known as the Captaincy General of Guatemala) and the birth of five new nations. Although each country would eventually forge its own identity and path, they continue to celebrate September 15 as a day of common heritage and freedom. The festivities across Central America are marked by profound patriotism, unity, and joyous tradition, often referred to collectively as celebrating the Fiestas Patrias (national holidays).

One beautiful tradition that unites these countries is the journey of the “Flame of Independence.” Each year in early September, an official independence torch is lit in Guatemala and carried south through all five nations in a relay, symbolizing the spread of freedom in 1821. Runners (often students) carry the torch across borders, and it arrives in Costa Rica by the evening of September 14, where it’s used to ignite a cauldron in a solemn ceremony. This ritual recreates how news of independence traveled on horseback in the 19th century and reinforces the sense of shared history among Central Americans.

Celebrations begin on the night of September 14, known in many places as the Noche de Faroles (Night of Lanterns). As dusk falls, cities and towns glow with the warm light of lantern parades, or desfiles de faroles. Children, often accompanied by parents and teachers, march through the streets carrying homemade lanterns, elaborate paper lanterns designed to resemble houses, stars, or national symbols, lit safely by candles or LEDs. This cherished tradition is said to honor the actions of María Dolores Bedoya, a woman in Guatemala who, on September 14, 1821, rallied people with a lantern in hand, gathering a supportive crowd outside the hall where leaders were deciding on independence. Today, the lantern parade represents the hope and light of freedom. Families spend days beforehand crafting their faroles, and communities often hold friendly competitions for the most creative design. As the parade progresses, bands play and children sing anthems; the atmosphere is magical as towns unify under the soft glow of countless lanterns, commemorating the eve of independence with pride and nostalgia.

Independence Day morning (Sept 15) in each Central American country dawns with celebrations of flag-raising and patriotic pomp. In the capital cities and every small town, the national flag is hoisted at sunrise while crowds sing the national anthem in unison, a moving ritual that underscores the solemn pride of the day. Soon after, the streets come alive with patriotic parades that showcase the vibrancy of each nation’s culture. School children take center stage in these parades: for weeks (even months) in advance, students rehearse marching band routines, folk dances, and drill team performances to display on Independence Day. Dressed in immaculate school uniforms or traditional attire, they march through streets lined with spectators. The parades feature color guards carrying large flags, groups of girls twirling batons, drum lines pounding out rhythms, and dance troupes performing folkloric dances unique to each country. For instance, in Costa Rica, one might see the Punto Guanacasteco dance performed in colorful skirts, while in Honduras, a group might perform Punta or other Garifuna dances. The participants often wear the national colors, blue and white, for most of Central America (with an extra red stripe in Costa Rica’s flag), so crowds become seas of those colors. Onlookers frequently join in by also dressing in flag colors or donning traditional outfits like embroidered blouses or cowboy hats.

Central Americans living abroad also commemorate September 15 with great enthusiasm. In cities like Los Angeles, which is home to large communities of Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and others, diaspora organizations have created joint Central American Independence festivals. Colorful floats and carriages adorned with each country’s flag colors roll down the streets, traditional music from marimba to punta fills the air, and attendees can sample foods from all five countries. It’s a vibrant showcase of unity in diversity, with Central Americans collectively celebrating their shared Independence Day and inviting their American neighbors to enjoy the culture. Similar events take place in U.S. cities like Houston, New York, and Washington, D.C., albeit on a smaller scale, often organized by local community centers or even consulates. These diaspora festivals feature folkloric dances, live bands, and children’s performances just like back home, ensuring that even far from their birthplaces, Central American families can feel the warmth of fiestas patrias. Beyond large cities, many families simply host gatherings on September 15, inviting friends from other Latin communities to join in a feast, say a prayer for their homeland, and maybe dance a bit of cumbia or salsa under the backyard lights. For the diaspora, celebrating Independence Day abroad is an act of preserving identity, a chance to teach their U.S.-born children about their roots and to say, “We may live elsewhere, but we proudly remember where we came from.”

Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16): “¡Viva México!”

Mexico’s Independence Day, Día de la Independencia, falls on September 16 and is arguably one of the most important and exuberant national holidays in Mexico. It commemorates the start of Mexico’s fight for sovereignty from Spanish colonial rule. On the night of September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo famously rang a church bell and issued the “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores), a call to arms that sparked Mexico’s War of Independence. Every year, Mexicans honor this pivotal moment with a reenactment of El Grito. On the evening of September 15, the President of Mexico steps out on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and rings the same historic bell, shouting patriotic lines that the crowd answers with resounding shouts of “¡Viva!”. This ceremony, repeated by local officials in town squares across the country, culminates in cries of “¡Viva México!” echoing nationwide and sets an electrifying tone for the celebrations.

Festivities in Mexico on Independence Day are grand and spirited. The streets fill with massive street parties, parades, and fireworks. In Mexico City, a military parade marches through the capital, and crowds pack the central Zócalo square, waving flags and reveling in patriotic chants. People dress in the national colors of red, white, and green, painting faces or donning traditional attire to represent the Mexican flag. Music is everywhere; mariachi bands and brass ensembles perform patriotic songs, while folk dancers in regional costumes perform bailes folclóricos in public plazas. The festive energy is contagious; phrases like “Viva México” and “Viva la independencia” ring out among the crowds. To cap off the night, fireworks light up the sky in dazzling displays of national pride.

The passion for El Grito and Independence Day extends far beyond Mexico’s borders. In cities around the world with significant Mexican diaspora populations, such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and New York, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Large urban centers host parades and festivals on or around September 16, drawing thousands of participants decked out in tricolor outfits and waving Mexican flags. Mexican communities abroad often gather at their local consulates or plazas to watch a live stream or reenactment of the President’s Grito ceremony, sharing that emotional moment of unity. Festivals feature Mexican bands, folkloric ballet performances, and vendors selling favorite foods like tacos, elote (corn), and aguas frescas. These diaspora celebrations can be quite elaborate; for instance, Los Angeles has an annual “El Grito” event with concerts and a reenactment of the Cry of Dolores led by community leaders. In cities like Las Vegas, the holiday has even become a tourist attraction, sometimes coinciding with Mexican music superstars performing special concerts.

For Mexicans living abroad, celebrating Independence Day is a profound expression of cultural identity, a way to connect with their roots and proudly share their heritage with their children and neighbors. As one commentator noted, “Mexicans all over the world usually get together in the consulates or embassies and celebrate there.” These gatherings strengthen community bonds and ensure that the cry of “¡Viva México!” is heard loudly across the globe each September.

Chile’s Fiestas Patrias (September 18): ¡Viva Chile!

Chile’s Independence Day festivities, known as Las Fiestas Patrias or colloquially El Dieciocho (for the 18th), are among the most vibrant national celebrations in Latin America. Every year on September 18, Chile commemorates the formation of its first independent government in 1810, the initial step towards eventual independence from Spain. In practice, the celebrations extend beyond just one day: the party often kicks off on September 17 and continues through September 19 (Armed Forces Day), with many Chileans taking the entire week off. This period is so festive that Chileans refer to September as “el mes de la patria” (the month of the homeland), and indeed the patriotic spirit can last for weeks.

Fiestas Patrias in Chile are a rich showcase of Chilean culture, characterized by communal gatherings called fondas or ramadas. A fonda is essentially a pop-up festival venue, often a large tent or open-air pavilion decked in red, white, and blue (Chile’s national colors), where people come to eat, drink, dance, and be merry. Every town and city sets up fondas in parks or fairgrounds, each with its own name and flair (like “La Gran Fonda Oficial” in Santiago’s O’Higgins Park, or smaller neighborhood ones). Inside the fondas, long tables are set for families, music plays loudly, and stalls offer all manner of traditional Chilean fare. Likewise, ramadas (a term often used interchangeably) evoke the rustic “ramadas” or branches used historically to shelter these party areas. These venues are the heart of the celebration, providing space for everyone to gather and partake in the fun.

On September 19, Chile honors the Día de las Glorias del Ejército (Day of the Glories of the Army) with a grand military parade in Santiago, reminding all of the role the armed forces played in securing independence. But even this is something of a spectator festivity, with crowds gathering to watch the regimented procession of soldiers and horsemen (including the famed huasos on horseback carrying Chilean flags). By the time the week is over, Chileans have reveled in every aspect of their cultural identity, food, dance, music, games, and national history, truly making Fiestas Patrias a comprehensive celebration of Chileaness.

Chileans living abroad hold tightly to their Dieciocho traditions as well. Whether in the United States, Canada, Europe, or even far-off places like Australia, the Chilean diaspora organizes events to celebrate Fiestas Patrias each year. Often these take the form of community picnics or indoor fiestas at community centers. For example, in cities like Sydney, Toronto, or Stockholm, local Chilean associations might rent a hall and transform it into a mini-fonda for a day, decorating with palm thatch, red-white-blue streamers, and setting up food stalls. They’ll serve empanadas and choripanes (chorizo sandwiches) and have Chilean wine on hand. Crucially, there will be cueca music and dance, with perhaps a cueca class or demonstration to encourage everyone to participate. Many communities also put together folkloric performances. These events often draw not only Chileans but also friends from other Latin American countries. The Spanish language and Latin camaraderie become a bridge, turning these gatherings into pan-Latin celebrations of culture, even though Chile is the focus.

Helping Bridge Distances for Celebrations

As families prepare for meaningful celebrations, having a trusted way to send support back home makes all the difference. That’s where sendvalu comes in. Designed with diaspora communities in mind, sendvalu is a global money transfer platform that allows you to share care effortlessly with loved ones in Latin America and around the world. Whether you are sending money for an Independence Day feast or simply contributing to everyday needs, sendvalu ensures the process is fast, secure, and affordable.

Wide Reach and Convenience

Our platform enables transfers to more than 140 countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, and nearly every corner of Latin America. The service is available fully online, so you can initiate a transfer anytime from your phone or computer; no need to visit a remittance agent in person. The platform is also available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, making it user-friendly for diverse communities.

Speed and Reliability

During celebrations, timing matters. With sendvalu, transfers typically arrive within minutes, depending on the destination and payout method. This speed is crucial when you’re sending last-minute funds so your family can pick up more food, cover travel costs, or contribute to a community event. Every transfer can be tracked online for peace of mind. Founded in Switzerland, sendvalu also operates under strict European security protocols, giving you confidence that your support will arrive safely and on time.

Multiple Payout Options

Families have different needs, and sendvalu offers flexibility. You can send money directly to a bank account, ideal for relatives in cities with easy banking access. For those who prefer cash, there are more than 215,000 pickup locations worldwide where recipients can collect funds within minutes. Mobile wallets are another popular option, especially in places where traditional banking is limited. In some areas, debit card loads and even home delivery are available, ensuring accessibility for elderly family members or those living in remote towns.

Beyond Money Transfers

We understand that sometimes you want to send more than money; you want to send a gesture. That’s why it also offers international mobile top-ups and digital gift cards. A quick top-up ensures your loved ones can call, message, or video chat with family during Independence Day festivities. Gift cards, sent by email, allow relatives to choose exactly what they need, from groceries to clothing to a celebratory dinner. These services make your support personal and practical.

Affordability and Transparency

High fees can diminish the value of remittances. sendvalu keeps costs low with competitive exchange rates and upfront pricing, so you know exactly how much your family will receive. The first transfer is often fee-free for new users, and transparent communication ensures there are no surprises. With 24/7 customer support, assistance is always available, no matter your time zone.

Celebrating Together Across Borders

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin American Independence Days, it’s heartwarming to know that technology and services like sendvalu enable the global Latino community to remain close-knit. The values of familia, tradición, and solidaridad (solidarity) are upheld when those abroad can contribute to the celebrations at home. No matter where you are in the world, you can take part in the joyous cry of “¡Viva la independencia!” echoing across Latin America each year by ensuring your family feels your support. 

Hispanic Heritage Month and the independence celebrations of Latin American countries remind us of the resilience and vibrancy of a people bound by history and love of freedom. From the gritos in Mexico to the faroles in Central America, from Brazil’s samba to Chile’s cueca, these traditions thrive not only in their native lands but also everywhere Latinos have made their homes. Through community celebrations and the heartfelt support sent across borders, the diaspora ensures that culture and patriotism have no borders. As you enjoy the festivities, whether waving a flag at a parade in your city or calling home to sing your national anthem with your family, take pride in the heritage being celebrated. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Felices Fiestas Patrias! (Happy Hispanic Heritage Month and Happy Independence Celebrations!) May the commemorations be filled with joy, and may the bonds of family and culture only grow stronger, no matter the distance.

Explore our country pages to see how we help families stay connected.

Sources:

U.S. Library of Congress & National Archives – National Hispanic Heritage Month portal

National Museum of the American Latino – Hispanic Heritage Month Latin Independence Days

Los Angeles Times – Independence Day celebrations... L.A. weekend guide

The Tico Times – Celebrating Costa Rica’s Independence Day

Today Special Day – Brazilian Independence Day 2025: History, Celebrations, Fun Facts & Significance