September 15th to October 15th celebrates Hispanic Heritage month in the United States. It may seem strange to many as to why Latinos are not given a set month, but instead half of two months, but there is a logical reason for the choice of dates for this time of celebration.
Many countries, especially Central American countries, celebrate their independence days on the 15th of September. Countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras for example, celebrate their independence on this day. México celebrates their independence right after, on the 16th of September. Cuba celebrates her independence day on October 10th.
Now, as this month to celebrate still continues on, there are some pieces of media that many could enjoy, made by Latino/a/e creators across the artistic spectrum.
YA NO ESTOY AQUÍ
The first movie recommendation on the list is a film written and directed by Fernando Frías de la Parra, that stars the main lead Ulises Sampiero played by Juan Daniel García Treviño. The movie is a modern classic of Mexican cinematography, taking inspiration from old Mexican films from the black and white era. The story follows Ulises Sampiero and his journey through maintaining an identity lost with the shift of time, and his struggles of emigrating to the U.S. as many have tried for a better life, or in his case, to flee.
CITIZEN ILLEGAL
A collection of poems by Chicano poet José Olivarez, Citizen Illegal explores many different topics, including love, family, culture, assimilation, and cheese fries. Olivarez’s works are an impactful and emotional rollercoaster, accessible to all as a modern poet.
OSWALDO GUAYASAMÍN
Oswaldo Guayasamín, and Ecuadorian man of Kichwa descent, was an artist, sculptor, and painter born in 1919 and lived until 1999. His paintings offer a distinct look into Latino art and political expression through the medium. His style is distinct, and some paintings may illicit horror from a reader, but it certainly elicits thought provoking conversations.
GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ
Author, editor, and journalist, García Márquez is most known for his literary works, especially in the magic realism genre. With his novel, Cien Años de Soledad, García Márquez put Latin America in a higher stage on the literature stage with his magical realism tales. His works mainly incorporate themes of solitude and political violence, being another example of how Latin Americans express themselves politically through artistic means.
