By
Rebecca Missel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Month commemorates history, cultural contributions
Activities celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month begin at noon tomorrow with folklorico dancers and mariachi music on the UA Mall.
"In this part of the world we were not independent from Europe on July 4, 1776, but on Sept. 15, 1810 - the day people in Mexico declared their independence from Spain," said Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, adjunct lecturer for the University of Arizona's Mexican American Studies department.
When a group of people in the colony of "New Spain" gathered to ring the church bells, the event became known as "El Grito," or "the proclamation."
Traditionally, Chicanos - Americans of Mexican descent - gather for festivals and the town's highest official gives a speech to commemorate independence day.
"We dance and drink, say 'Viva Mexico,' and have a good time," Goldsmith said. "For the Mexican population here, the holiday has been around forever."
Another aspect of the holiday recognizes those who have made contributions to the community and to Hispanics around the world, said Sofia Ramos, program coordinator for Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs.
"We generally honor people and groups who have made a significant impact on the Hispanic people," she said.
Hispanic Heritage Month and Sept. 15 maintain a festive atmosphere similar to that of Independence Day in the United States, Ramos said.
"It's not a traditional thing like Christmas," she said. "It's a time of focusing on the positive and highlighting the culture."
For some UA students, like T.J. Valdez, the month instills a sense of pride. Valdez is the rush chair for Omega Delta Phi, a Hispanic-founded fraternity.
"I think it's great," said Valdez, a civil engineering senior. "I'm proud to be a part of something, especially in an area like Arizona where the culture is recognized."
Though the fraternity has not planned any special activities this month, Valdez said his group participates in campus-wide programs with the umbrella organization Juntos.
"We don't do anything specific but we do promote the culture," he said. "I'm proud to be Mexican-American and feel like our contributions are recognized."
Non-Hispanics should not feel excluded from the festivities, and should use the opportunity to become more acquainted with another culture, Ramos said.
"Enjoy great music, art and food because it's easily accessible throughout Tucson," she said.
Other parts of the celebration will include an art display at the Arizona State Museum Library.
