September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September 21, respectively.
By clicking on Databases at the HCC Library site, you can access the Latino American Experience.
This database focuses on the history and culture of Latinos living in the United States spaning from the pre-Columbian Indigenous civilizations of the Americas, through the Spanish and Mexican settlement of much of what is now the United States, to the triumphs and challenges facing present-day U.S. Latinos. It Features more than 150 full-text book titles, 1500 images, hundreds of primary documents, Spanish-language content, a Timeline, and 225 vetted web sites. It includes the history, culture, and customs of the people of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Iberian Peninsula.
Also, check out the
AllYouCanRead and
Paperboy websites to read hometown newspapers and magazines in Spanish as well as to brush up on that high-school Spanish.
