Hispanic culture is colorful and beautiful.

It is influenced by ancient civilizations, such as the Aztec and Maya, also the European colonization. It’s very peaceful and fantastic and you can learn a lot from their culture, and some of the celebrations are in America.

Hispanic Heritage Month started Sept. 15 and will go through this Thursday.

Different groups of races celebrate Hispanic culture, and a lot of different celebration takes place in many creative ways. Some of the celebrations include Festivals Three Kings’ Day, Candlemas, Carnaval, Guadalajara International Film Festival, Saints’ Week, Guelaguetza Dance Festival, Independence Day, All Saints’ Day/Day of the Dead, Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Virgin Mary to us. The Virgin of Guadalupe has a shrine in Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. Her birthday is Dec. 12, and she plays an important role in Mexican history.

The Virgin of Guadalupe appeared in Juan Diego Vision Jane the Virgin of Guadalupe ordered Juan Diego to Collect roses. Then Juan Diego met with the bishop, and Juan Diego opened his robe and let all the roses fall on the floor. The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was on his robe. The image is used in a lot of churches in Tepeyac Hil.

There are lot of food associated with Hispanic heritage. Some foods include quesadillas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas, pozole. Hispanic foods use a lot of spices and have a lot of unique tastes and flavors.

At the end of this month, some Hispanic cultures will celebrate Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.

It’s a big celebration with a focus on communicating with one’s dead loved ones. It is customary to offer food and to remember them on that day.  There is usually sugar cookies and other sweets.

Dia de los Muertos starts Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2.