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“VIVA FORT LAUDERDALE: CELEBRATING HISPANIC ART & CULTURE” EXHIBIT AT HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE

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“VIVA FORT LAUDERDALE: CELEBRATING HISPANIC ART & CULTURE” EXHIBIT AT HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE

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Celebrate the contributions of our multicultural Latin community with work from local artists, including Leonardo Montoya (Colombia), Lifrancis Rojas (Venezuela), Isabel Perez Salazar (Venezuela), and Florencia Clement de Grandprey (Spain).

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Latinas Talk Latinas - Share a story with your Team

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Latinas Talk Latinas - Share a story with your Team

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Learn about stories of labor organizing, fashion, music, science exploration, performance, and art that have shaped the United States.

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This series introduces you to the lives of 10 Latinas, as told by curators, scientists, and educators across the Smithsonian. Join them as they explore stories of labor organizing, fashion, music, science exploration, performance, and art that have shaped the United States.

The Latinas Talk Latinas series is accompanied by digital educational resources that enhance learning about the featured women.

Esta serie presenta las vidas de 10 latinas contadas por curadoras, científicas y educadoras del Smithsonian. Los invitamos a explorar con nosotros historias sobre activismo social, moda, música, investigación científica y artes que han ayudado a forjar a Estados Unidos.

La serie Latinas hablan de Latinas está acompañada de recursos educativos digitales que amplían los conocimientos sobre estas mujeres.

Veronica Mendez Talks with Veronica Davila About Escaramuzas: A Unique Mexican and Mexican American All Girls Horsemanship Sport
Verónica Méndez habla con Verónica Dávila sobre la escaramuza: Un deporte ecuestre único para chicas mexicanas y mexicoamericanas

Through the life and experience of Veronica Davila, former captain of the Las Valentinas escaramuza team, we learn how girls reclaim their Mexican cultural heritage and affirm their Mexican American identity through this daring horsemanship and horse-riding sport.
Verónica A. Méndez is a curator in the Division of Military and Political History at the National Museum of American History. Explore our Smithsonian collections and learn more about Escaramuzas using this Learning Lab.
A través de la vida y las experiencias de Verónica Dávila, excapitana del equipo de escaramuza Las Valentinas, conocemos cómo las chicas recuperan su herencia cultural mexicana y reafirman su identidad mexicoamericana por medio de este audaz deporte ecuestre.
Verónica A. Méndez es curadora en la División de Historia Militar y Política del Museo Nacional de Historia Americana.
Verónica A. Méndez talks about Selena, the Queen of Tejano Music
Veronica A. Mendez y Mireya Loza hablan sobre Selena: Cruzando fronteras culturales

Selena Quintanilla was a pioneering performer who started as a young girl within the Tejano music scene and eventually moved into several genres of Spanish-language music and crossed over into mainstream English-language music in the United States. This video explores her legacy, across the United States and through the Smithsonian collections.
Verónica A. Méndez is a curator in the Division of Military and Political History at the National Museum of American History; Mireya Loza is a curator of the Girlhood (It's complicated!) exhibition at the National Museum of American History, and an associate professor in the Department of History at Georgetown University. Explore our Smithsonian collections and learn more about Selena using this Learning Lab.
Selena Quintanilla fue una artista musical pionera. Comenzó muy joven en la escena musical Tejana y eventualmente interpretó una variedad de géneros musicales en lengua española y luego en inglés. Este video explora el legado de Selana en todo Estados Unidos y destaca las colecciones del Smithsonian.
Verónica A. Méndez es curadora en la División de Historia Militar y Política del Museo Nacional de Historia Americana y Mireya Loza es curadora de la exhibición Ser chica (¡es complicado!) en el Museo Nacional de Historia Americana y profesora asociada en el Departamento de Historia de la Universidad Georgetown.
Ashley Mayor Talks About Diosa Costello, Latina Broadway Star
Ashley Mayor habla sobre Diosa Costello, Artista Latina de Broadway

Diosa Costello was a pioneering Latina Broadway performer, building a decades long career with her talent in music, dance, and acting. She starred in movies such as Too Many Girls! and the legendary Broadway show South Pacific. Her foundational story paves the way for many of our beloved Latinas actress and musicians of today!
Ashley Mayor is a Curatorial Assistant in the Division of Culture and the Arts at the National Museum of American History. Want to learn more about Diosa Costello? Explore our collections and use this video in your classroom using this Learning Lab.
Diosa Costello fue una de las primeras artistas Latinas en Broadway, desarrollando una carrera de múltiples décadas con su talento en música, baile, y actuación. Ella protagonizo papeles en películas como ¡Too Many Girls! y en la obra de Broadway legendaria South Pacific. Su historia ayuda para abrir el camino para muchas de nuestras actrices Latinas de hoy en día.
Ashley Mayor es curadora asistente en la divison de Cultura y Artes del Museo Nacional de Historia Americana.
Brenda Soler Figueroa Talks About Alida Ortiz Sotomayor: The Love for Teaching Natural Sciences
Brenda Soler habla sobre Alida Ortiz Sotomayor: El amor por las ciencias naturales

Alida Ortiz Sotomayor was the first Puerto Rican woman to obtain a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez in 1976. She was one of the founders and the first Director of the Coastal Marine Biology Program from the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao and developed the first Earth Sciences curriculum for the Public Schools of Puerto Rico and has trained hundreds of teachers in Marine Education.
Brenda Soler Figueroa is a Marine Invasions Researcher at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Teachers! Educators! Check out this Learning Lab to use this video in your classrooms.
Alida Ortiz Sotomayor fue la primer mujer en recibir el doctorado en Ciencias Marinas de la Univerisdad de Puerto Rico en Mayaguez en 1976. Ella fue una de las fundadoras y la primer directora del Programa de Biologia Marina de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Huamaco y fue quien desarrollo la primer curricula sobre Ciencias de la Tierra para las escuelas publicas de Puerto Rico mientras capacito a cientos de maestras/os.
Brenda Soler Figueroa es investigadora de especies marinas invasoras en el Cetnro Smithsonian de Investigaciones Medioambientales.
Emily Key Talks About Ellen Ochoa; Beyond the Barrier
Emily Key Habla de Ellen Ochoa; Arrasando con la Barrera

Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina astronaut in space and first Latina, only the second woman, to serve as the Director of the Johnson Space Center, responsible for all astronaut activities for NASA. Find out how this daring and tenacious Latina went beyond the barrier and set new heights for young girls to reach for the stars.
Emily Key is the Director of Education at the Smithsonian Latino Center. Teachers! Educators! Caregivers! Do you want to use this video in your classroom? Check out this Learning Lab.
Ellen Ochoa fue la primera astronauta Latina en el espacio. En adición, fue la primera Latina, sólo la segunda mujer de servir en la capacidad de directora del Johnson Space Center, responsable por todas las actividades de los astronautas de NASA. Aprende como esta mujer intrépida y tenaz fue más allá de la barrera, estableciendo nuevas alturas para que las chicas jóvenes de hoy alcancen las estrellas.
Emily Key es la directora de educacion en el Centro Latino del Smithsonian.
Leslie Ureña Talks About Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa
Leslie Ureña habla sobre Celia Cruz: La Reina de la Salsa

Through the story of Celia Cruz we learn about the complexities of belonging and how her music gave her the sense of "home." Exiled from Cuba, she succeeded in New York and through the world. She was an icon larger than life taking salsa music beyond borders and musical boundaries.
Leslie Ureña is an Associate Curator for photographs at the National Potrait Gallery. Educators and caregivers! Introduce Celia Cruz's story to your students with the help of this Learning Lab.
A través de la historia de Celia Cruz conocemos lo que significa pertenecer y como su musica le dio a ella el sentido de pertenencia. A pesar de haber sido exilada de Cuba, Celia triunfo en la ciudad de new York y en todo el mundo. Fue un icono más grande que la vida misma llevando la música de salsa mas allá de las fronteras geográficas y de los géneros musicales.
Leslie Ureña es curadora asociada de fotografias en la Galeria Nacional de Retratos.
Pushing Boundaries | Taína Caragol Talks About Sylvia Rivera
Taína Caragol habla de Sylvia Rivera: Traspasando fronteras

Sylvia Rivera was a transgender woman living in New York City during the '60s and '70s. She became a fierce defender of LGBTQ+ rights, pushing the movement in the aftermath of the Stonewall riots to vigilantly protect transgender people's rights.
Taína Caragol is a curator of Latino Art and History at the National Portrait Gallery. Educators and caregivers! Introduce Sylvia Rivera's story to your students with the help of this Learning Lab.
Sylvia Rivera fue una mujer transgénero que vivió en la ciudad de Nueva York durante las décadas de 1960 y 1970. Allí se convirtió en ferviente defensora de los derechos LGBTQ+ en la secuela de las protestas de Stonewall, y se dedicó a proteger activamente los derechos de las personas transgénero.
Taína Caragol es curadora de Arte e Historia Latina en la Galeria Nacional de Retratos.
Breaking Gender Barriers | Margaret Salazar-Porzio Talks About Marge Villa
Margaret Salazar Porzio habla de Marge Villa: Rompiendo las barreras de genero

Margaret (Marge) Villa was among the very few women professional baseball players and a record-setting catcher. Villa broke gender barriers in the early '40s at age 16 while playing in East Los Angeles, California.
Margaret (Margie) Salazar-Porzio is a curator of Latinx History at the National Museum of American History. Educators! Want to include Margie's story in your teaching? Check out the Learning Lab that goes with this video.
Margaret (Marge) Villa fue una de las poquísimas mujeres peloteras profesionales y estableció récords como receptora. Villa rompió las barreras de género con apenas de 16 años de edad en la década de 1940, jugando en el Este de Los Ángeles, California.
Margaret (Margie) Salazar-Porzio es curadora de Historia Latinx en el Museo Nacional De Historia Americana.
The Impact of a Peruvian Immigrant | Magdalena Mieri Talks About Clotilde Arias
Magdalena Mieri habla de Clotilde Arias: El impacto de una inmigrante peruana

Clotilde Arias's story reminds us of the resilience and creativity of many Latina immigrants. She succeeded in a male-dominated world in New York in the '40s and '50s. Her best-known act of patriotism was creating a singable Spanish-language version of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Magdalena Mieri is the director of the Program in Latino History and Culture at the National Museum of American History. Educators! Check out the Learning Lab that goes with this video.
La historia de Clotilde Arias nos ayuda a recordar la resiliencia y la creatividad de muchas inmigrantes latinas. Clotilde logró triunfar en un mundo dominado por los hombres durante las décadas de 1940 y 1950 en la ciudad de Nueva York. Su acto de patriotismo más conocido es haber creado una versión en español del himno nacional, el Star Spangled Banner, para ser cantada con la música original.
Magdalena Mieri es la directora del Programa de Historia y Cultura Latina del Museo Nacional de Historia Americana.
Pachucas: How Fashion Asserts Identity | Verónica A. Méndez Talks About Pachucas
Verónica A. Méndez habla de las pachucas: Cómo la moda afirma identidad

In this story of pachucas we celebrate their role in the making of pachuco culture and for the ways in which their fashion stood in defiance of Mexican gender norms, second-class citizenship, and white middle-class ideas of American womanhood.
Verónica A. Méndez is a curator in the Division of Military and Political History at the National Museum of American History. Educators! Interested in bringing the history of pachucas into your classroom? Check out this Learning Lab.
En esta historia sobre las pachucas celebramos su papel en el desarrollo de la cultura pachuca en general y cómo su manera de vestir sirvió para desafiar las normas de género mexicanas, la percepción de ser ciudadanas de segunda clase y las nociones de femineidad de la clase media blanca estadounidense.
Verónica A. Méndez es curadora en la División de Historia Militar y Política del Museo Nacional de Historia Americana.
From Girlhood to Inspiring a Movement | Mireya Loza Talks About Jessica Govea
Mireya Loza habla de Jessica Govea: De niña en los campos a inspiradora de un movimiento

Jessica Govea was a labor leader and organizer who started at a very young age. She began working alongside Cesar Chavez in the Community Service Organization and was later instrumental in the founding of the United Farm Workers union, extending her organizing power to Canada.
Mireya Loza is curator of Girlhood (It's Complicated!) exhibition at the National Museum of American History, and an assistant professor in the Department of History at Georgetown University. To learn more about Jessica Govea see our Learning Lab.
Jessica Govea fue una líder y organizadora laboral desde muy jovencita. Empezó su trabajo al lado de César Chávez en la Organización de Servicio a la Comunidad. Más tarde tuvo un papel esencial en la fundación de la Unión de Trabajadores Campesinos y extendió sus esfuerzos de organización laboral hasta Canadá.
Mireya Loza es curadora de la exhibición Ser chica (¡es complicado!) en el Museo Nacional de Historia Americana y profesora asistente en el Departamento de Historia de la Universidad Georgetown.

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Latinas Talk Latinas | Latinas hablan de Latinas

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This series introduces you to the lives of 10 Latinas, as told by curators, scientists, and educators across the Smithsonian. Join them as they explore stories of labor organizing, fashion, music, science exploration, performance, and art that have shaped the United States.

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My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle | America Ferrera | TED

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A favorite pastime for Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Cubans, dominoes is a tile game that brings the community together. Clear a table and grab a box of dominoes to start playing with friends. Otherwise, you can try your luck with a game of lotería, which means "lottery" in English. It's basically another version of bingo with cards and is equally as fun.

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Utah-Latinx Hispanic Health & Heritage Festival

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Utah-Latinx Hispanic Health & Heritage Festival

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Celebrate culture, traditions and cusine

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How the Guayabera got it's name

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What is a Guayabera?

Men wearing guayaberas are a familiar sight in Latin America and the Caribbean. A traditional piece of menswear, the shirt is distinguished by its four front pockets and two vertical stripes of pleating and/or embroidery. Its widespread usage and distinctive appearance has made it the most iconic piece of clothing associated with the cultural life of Latin American and Caribbean populations worldwide.

Despite this far-reaching popularity, the circumstances concerning the guayabera's origin and stylistic evolution are indeterminate and widely dispersed across a number of sources. The Guayabera: A Shirt's Story weaves together the threads of the shirt's history from an array of different legends, archival records, advertisements, historic photographs, articles and other sources from different centuries.

+ At left: A classic version of the guayabera. Circa 1948.

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Men wearing guayaberas are a familiar sight in Latin America and the Caribbean. A traditional piece of menswear, the shirt is distinguished by its four front pockets and two vertical stripes of pleating and/or embroidery. Its widespread usage and distinctive appearance has made it the most iconic piece of clothing associated with the cultural life of Latin American and Caribbean populations worldwide.

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Table of Contents

1. Origins of Hispanic History Month

2. Why the Date of Hispanic Heritage Month Is Important

3. Hispanic Heritage Expands From a Week to a Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 will last from Friday, September 15, 2023 through Sunday, October 15, 2023. The event commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large.

Origins of Hispanic History Month

The term Hispanic or Latino (or the more recent term Latinx) refers to a person's culture or origin-regardless of race. On the 2020 Census form, people were counted as Hispanic or Latino or Spanish if they could identify as having Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."

Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as a commemorative week when it was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown. The push to recognize the contributions of the Hispanic community had gained momentum throughout the 1960s when the civil rights movement was at its peak and there was a growing awareness of the United States' multicultural identities.

Brown, who represented East Los Angeles and a large portion of the San Gabriel Valley-both heavily populated by members of the Hispanic and Latinx communities-wanted to recognize the role played by those communities throughout American history.

On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially authorizing and requesting the president to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week and called upon the "people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities." President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation the same day.

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five "Central American neighbors," as Johnson called them-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.

In his proclamation, Johnson also acknowledged Mexico, which declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Although not mentioned specifically by Johnson, Chile also celebrates its independence during that week (September 18, 1810 from Spain) and Belize, which declared its independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981, was subsequently added to the list of nations specifically celebrated during what is now Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Expands From a Week to a Month

From 1968 until 1988, Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan all issued the yearly proclamations, setting aside a week to honor Hispanic Americans. In 1987 U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed the expanding the observance to cover its current 31-day period. Torres wanted more time so that the nation could "properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement."

In 1988, Senator Paul Simon (D-Illinois), submitted a similar bill that successfully passed Congress and was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988. And on September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush (who had been a sponsor of the original Hispanic Heritage Week resolution while serving in the House in 1968) became the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

"Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however. Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities," Bush said.

In the decades since, National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamations have been made by every sitting president of the United States.

HISTORY Vault

Sources

National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, United States Census Bureau
The Creation and Evolution of the National Hispanic Heritage Celebration, United States House of Representatives
National Hispanic Heritage Month, Library of Congress
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 1989, The America Presidency Project
National Hispanic Heritage Week bill signed, Sep. 17, 1968, Politic

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Hispanic Heritage Month - Origins & Facts

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Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities that spans from September 15 to October 15.

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Book Recommendations: American Like Me - Reflections on Life Between Cultures

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Book Recommendations: American Like Me - Reflections on Life Between Cultures

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From award-winning actress and political activist America Ferrera comes a vibrant and varied collection of first-person accounts from prominent figures about the experience of growing up between cultures. , America invites thirty-one of her friends, peers, and heroes to share their stories about life between cultures. We know them as actors, comedians, athletes, politicians, artists, and writers. However, they are also immigrants, children or grandchildren of immigrants, indigenous people, or people who otherwise grew up with deep and personal connections to more than one culture. Each of them struggled to establish a sense of self, find belonging, and feel seen. And they call themselves American enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all.

America Ferrera has always felt wholly American, and yet, her identity is inextricably linked to her parents' homeland and Honduran culture. Speaking Spanish at home, having Saturday-morning-salsa-dance-parties in the kitchen, and eating tamales alongside apple pie at Christmas never seemed at odds with her American identity.

Ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious, their stories shine a light on a quintessentially American experience and will appeal to anyone with a complicated relationship to family, culture, and growing up.
Still, she yearned to see that identity reflected in the larger American narrative.

Now, in American Like Me

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American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures

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Amazon.com: American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures: 9781501180910: Ferrera, America: Books

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Best Latino Latinx Podcasts for the Mind and Soul

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Best Latino Latinx Podcasts for the Mind and Soul

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Best Latino Latinx Podcasts for the Mind and Soul —

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A list of the best, most recommended podcasts by and about Latinx Latino populations, politics, books, and authors.

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Verónica Castillo (b. 1967) is an award-winning ceramicist. Castillo created this Tree of Life (El Árbol de la Vida in Spanish) for the National Museum of the American Latino's debut exhibition, ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States. Trees of Life are clay sculptures from Mexico that are traditionally religious in theme, but Castillo's sculptures are unique because they are inspired by her surroundings and depict everyday social injustices. In this Tree of Life, titled Raíces, historia y justicia latinas (Latino Roots, History, and Justice), she visualizes themes from

Castillo is currently based in San Antonio, Texas. Her family are the renowned Castillo Orta folk art family based in Izúcar de Matamoros in Puebla, Mexico. They have passed on a pottery tradition for four generations. Izúcar de Matamoros is well-known as a site of origin for this ceramic practice with roots in ancient Indigenous civilizations, like the Olmec and Maya. Notably, Castillo's father, the potter Don Alfonso M. Castillo Orta (1944-2009), won the Mexican government's Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes (National Prize for Sciences and Arts) in 1996. He specialized in Trees of Life and taught Castillo, her mother, and her five brothers the ceramics craft.

Before the Spanish colonization of Mexico, people exchanged Trees of Life and their branches to mark bonds between families or cultures. After Spanish colonizers settled in the Americas and imposed Catholicism, these sculptures took on a more religious tone representing holidays like Christmas and Day of the Dead. Castillo's contemporary Trees of Life are innovative in that they visualize social issues. For example, in 2003 she created El Arbol de la Muerte: Maquilando Mujeres (The Tree of Death: Factory Women), about the ongoing murders of hundreds of women and girls in Ciudad Juárez near the U.S.-Mexico border. In her artistic practice, Castillo aims to "create another language in clay that shows the difficulties people have in everyday life that create an unjust world." (National Endowment for the Arts. "National Heritage Fellowships: Verónica Castillo," 2013)

In Raíces, historia y justicia latinas, the artist has affixed clay figurines and symbols to the tree's three looped branches. Each branch shares a theme with one of the three subsections in the "Shaping the Nation" section of The first branch's theme is "Identity and Community." This branch addresses how Latinas and Latinos of diverse walks of life express themselves and support their communities through cultural celebrations and collective, institutional organizing. "Fighting for Justice" is the second branch's theme: it explores trailblazing Latina and Latino activists who dedicated their lives and careers to social and political change. Finally, the third branch's theme is "Breaking Boundaries." This branch's figurines and symbols examine how Latina and Latino leaders have dismantled barriers and made space for other disenfranchised people in the arts, politics, sports, and the military.

Latino diversity is the glue that brings each branch and story together. As the tree's foundation, its round base aims to represent Latino diversity which encompasses the variety of ethnicities, races, genders, sexualities, careers, experiences, and other aspects of life experience that people use to define themselves. To achieve this representation, the tree's base features imagery of an expansive blue ocean connecting several solid-white continents. That birds-eye image of Earth symbolizes that U.S. Latinas and Latinos are unique individuals who can share qualities that bring them together. In Castillo's words, "For me, what personally draws me, is to demonstrate social and cultural problems by giving voice to our Mother Earth through clay." (Trees of Life: Cultura, Tradición e Inovación. "Verónica Castillo," 2016 2015)

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Raíces, historia y justicia latinas (Latino Roots, History, and Justice) | National Museum of the American Latino

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Verónica Castillo (b. 1967) is an award-winning ceramicist. Castillo created this Tree of Life (El Árbol de la Vida in Spanish) for the National Museum of the American Latino's debut exhibition, ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States.

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Spotlight Statistics: Hispanics in the US

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Spotlight Statistics: Hispanics in the US

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The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

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Hispanics in the United States: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month : Spotlight on Statistics: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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This Spotlight on Statistics explores trends in employment, earnings, consumer spending, time use, and workplace injuries for the Hispanic or Latino U.S. population.

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Exploring Latino Diversity in the United States

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Exploring Latino Diversity in the United States

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Exploring Latino Diversity in the United States​ | National Museum of the American Latino

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What does it mean to be Latino? To be Hispanic? To be Latinx? What does it mean to be American? Join us to learn about the complexity and diversity of Latino identity.

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Do you know the currencies of these Spanish speaking countries?

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Do you know the currencies of these Spanish speaking countries?

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Have you ever wondered what the currencies of Spanish speaking countries are? I'm always curious to know what currencies I will need if I am traveling to a Spanish speaking country. So, I researched the currencies in Spanish speaking countries and wrote a helpful blog post.

What are the currencies of the Spanish speaking countries?

Many of these countries have evolved over time, so their currencies have changed with them. For example, the peso originally came from Spain, but as of 2002, Spain has moved to the Euro. We have more to discover about the currencies of the Spanish speaking countries. Plus, we dive into more Spanish related situations involving money.

Let's go!

Currencies Of Spanish Speaking Countries

As stated above, the currencies of the Spanish speaking countries have changed over time. The peso originally came from Spain and was adopted by many Latin American countries during the Spanish Conquest of the Americas from the 17th century through the 19th century. Today, the peso still exists in some Latin American countries, but the peso is regulated by each individual country.

Let's take a look at the currency of each Spanish speaking country.

Bolivia: The unit of currency in Bolivian is the boliviano, which is divided into 100 centavos. The first boliviano was introduced in 1864. In 1987, the first Bolivian peso was replaced by the current new boliviano due to the hyperinflation of the currency. The symbol of the currency is Bs.

Costa Rica: The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón, which is divided into 100 céntimos. In 1896, the colón was introduced to replace the Costa Rican peso. The colón was named after the Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus, known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. The symbol of the colón is ₡.

Ecuador: The unit of currency in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar, which is referred to as a dólar and divided into 100 centavos. The U.S. Dollar became the official currency of Ecuador in the year 2000 when Ecuador's own currency, the sucre, fell due to a financial crisis. The symbol for the U.S. Dollar is $.

El Salvador: The units of currency in El Salvador are the U.S. Dollar and Bitcoin. The U.S. Dollar is referred to as a dólar and divided into 100 centavos. The U.S. Dollar replaced the prior currency known as the colón. The symbol for the U.S. Dollar is $. As of September 2021, El Salvador is the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as its local currency.

Guatemala: The unit of currency is the Guatemalan quetzal, which is divided into 100 centavos. The quetzal was introduced in 1925 and named after the national bird of Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal. The symbol of the currency is Q.

Mexico: The unit of currency is the Mexican peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. Mexican coins are not very much in circulation because they have so little value. Mexican currency mostly uses pesos that are worth 1 or more. The symbol for the currency is Mex$.

Puerto Rico: The unit of currency of Puerto Rico is the U.S. Dollar, which is referred to as a dólar and divided into 100 centavos. Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. from Spain after the Spanish-American War of 1898. The U.S. Dollar replaced the prior currency known as the Puerto Rican Dollar after the monetary system of Puerto Rico was integrated with the U.S. The symbol for the U.S. Dollar is $.

Spanish Words and Phrases When Using Money

There is no use discussing the different currencies used in Spanish speaking countries if we don't know how to discuss money in Spanish. So, we have tried to simplify things for you by introducing you to different Spanish words and phrases that are used when discussing money or currencies.

Below are some simple words that will introduce you to money, dollars, cents, etc. As you saw above, certain countries discuss cents

Dinero - Money

Dólar americano - Dollar (American Dollar)

Dólar canadiense - Dollar (Canadian Dollar)

Peso - the currency of Mexico and other Latin American countries

Centavo - Cent

Céntimo - Penny

Centésimo - Hundredth or Cent for certain countries

Moneda - Coin

Billete - Bill

As you saw in the prior currency section, certain countries use either centavo, céntimo, or centésimo when discussing cents. Keep that in mind if you are traveling to different Spanish speaking countries.

There are some other words and phrases you may need when paying for something in Spanish. Below are some simple words and phrases that you may need when you are paying for something, taking out cash from the ATM, checking your bank accounts, or trying to pay your mortgage.

Cambio - Change

Tarjeta de crédito - Credit card

Tarjeta de débito - Debit card

Cajera automática - ATM

Número secreto de pin - Secret pin number

Cuenta de ahorros - Savings account

Cuenta de cheques - Checking account

Hipoteca - Mortgage

Casa de Cambio - Exchange House

Banco - Bank

Traveling and Exchange Rates of Currencies

There are other places where we need to be prepared to have Spanish conversations revolving around money. A lot of those conversations may take place when we are preparing to travel to a Spanish speaking country or visiting a bank.

Let's imagine that you are preparing to travel abroad and need to get some money from the banco (bank) or casa de cambio (money exchange). Here is how a Spanish conversation may take place when you are at the bank or money exchange.

YOU: ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? - Hi! How are you?

BANKER: ¡Hola! ¿Puedo ayudarte? - Hi! Can I help you?

YOU: Quisiera cambiar dólares por pesos. - I would like to change dollars for pesos.

BANKER: Sí claro. Por favor, dame los dólares que quieres cambiar. - Yes, of course. Please give me the dollars you want to exchange.

YOU: Aquí tienes. - Here you go.

YOU: ¿Me puede dar billetes de cincuenta? - Can you give me bills of fifty (50)?

BANKER: Sí claro. Aquí tienes. - Yes, of course. Here you go.

YOU: Gracias. Que tengas un buen día. - Thank you. Have a nice day.

Here is a second example of how this conversation may take place at a bank or money exchange.

YOU: ¡Hola! ¡Buenos días! - Hi! Good morning!

BANKER: ¡Hola! ¿Cómo puedo ayudarte hoy? - Hi! How can I help you today?

YOU: Tengo que cambiar dólares por pesos. - I have to change dollars for pesos.

BANKER: No hay problema. Dame el dinero, por favor. - No problem. Give me the money, please.

YOU: Aquí tienes. - Here you go.

YOU: ¿Me puede dar billetes de bajo importe? - Can you give me small bills?

BANKER: Si, aqui tienes. - Yes, here you go.

BANKER: ¿Necesitas algo más? - Do you need anything else?

YOU: No, gracias. - No, thank you.

BANKER: De nada. - You're welcome.

Exchange Rates of Currencies of Spanish Speaking Countries

Another fun thing we can do is check on the exchange rate for different currencies. Below I have listed the exchange rates for the currencies in each Spanish speaking country as of January 2020, and have compared them to the U.S. Dollar and the Euro.

Exchange Rate for Currencies of Spanish Speaking Countries Against $1.00 U.S. Dollar:

Exchange Rate for Currencies of Spanish Speaking Countries Against €1.00 Euro:

Shopping in Spanish

When we think about using our money in Spanish settings, one of the first things we can use it for is to shop. Whether you are in a market or at a restaurant, these are common places where money is discussed.

Below are some common words and phrases you may see or use when shopping.

When we think about shopping in Spanish, it can be a good idea to walk through a typical conversation you might have when you are at the store or market. Here is how a conversation may go in Spanish while you are out shopping for clothes at the mall or market.

YOU: ¡Hola! Buenas tardes. - Hi! Good afternoon.

EMPLOYEE: ¡Hola! Bienvenido a mi tienda. - Hi! Welcome to my store.

YOU: ¿Cuánto cuesta el vestido? ¡Me gusta! - How much does the dress cost? I like it.

EMPLOYEE: Veinticinco dólares. - Twenty-five dollars.

YOU: Es caro. - It is expensive

YOU: ¿Cuánto cuesta eso? - How much does that cost?

EMPLOYEE: Cinco dólares. - Five dollars.

YOU: Es barato. - It is cheap.

YOU: ¿Cuánto cuestan esos? - How much are those?

EMPLOYEE: Diez dólares. - Ten dollars.

EMPLOYEE: ¿Vas a comprar algo? - Are you going to buy anything.

YOU: No lo creo. - I don't think so.

EMPLOYEE: ¡Dios mío! - Oh my God!

Related Questions

Which European Union countries use the euro? Not all European Union countries use the euro. The following 19 European Union countries use the euro as currency: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Do all Latin American countries use pesos? No, not all Latin American countries use the peso. The countries that use the peso in Latin America are Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Uruguay. The Philippines also uses the peso, but it is located in Asia. However, each country has its own peso.

What is the most popular currency in the world? The U.S. Dollar is the most popular currency in the world. It is considered the de facto global currency held by central banks as a foreign reserve currency. The next most popular currencies are the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the Great British Pound, the Australian Dollar, and the Canadian Dollar.

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Currencies Of Spanish Speaking Countries | Teach My Kids Spanish

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Salsa music and dancing is an art form that is very popular anywhere that Latin culture thrives. It can be found all over central and south America, some islands of the Caribbean, and many places in the United States. Salsa music is influenced by Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures, and has components of troubadour music from the Spanish, danzón from France and Haiti, the sόn of the Cuban people, and the rumbas of African slaves.

When did it all come together, and where did it all start? While some will say Puerto Rico; others will say Cuba. Either way, both have had a tremendous influence on salsa music and dance for more than 100 years.

Cuban roots

Cuba is actually the home of modern salsa. Its roots are from eastern Cuba and it made its way to Havana around the turn of the 20th century. With the political and economic problems of the times, many Cubans migrated to the United States, mainly to the Miami area, where salsa music and dance grew in popularity in the '30s and '40s. This art form was not dubbed "salsa" until the 1960s.

Puerto Rican roots

In the 1930s, Puerto Rican són and mambo musicians developed their own styles, and again, because of political and economic problems, many migrated to the United States, mainly New York. Puerto Rican musicians have made tremendous contributions to what is today known as salsa, culminating in the height of its popularity in the 1970s with the New York-style salsa on the Fania label.

Salsa today

At present, there are many different forms and styles of both salsa dance and music. Today, there are still musicians who are developing their own styles, incorporating new instruments, and trying different innovations to further develop this genre. The popularity of salsa has spread around the world as far as Tokyo, Berlin, and Sydney.

So while the debate continues as to where salsa was created, who coined the phrase, and when it became what we know today as salsa, it is important to remember that both Cuba and Puerto Rico have contributed in a major way to this art form, and have been doing so for a very long time.

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Puerto Rico vs Cuba Where Did Salsa Really...

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When is Mexican Independence Day 2024?

Get festive and celebrate Mexican heritage on Mexican Independence Day on September 16.

History of Mexican Independence Day

Mexico, once known as New Spain, was a colony harshly ruled by the kingdom of Spain for over 300 years. The native population was oppressed, farmland and personal wealth were confiscated and only Spaniards were allowed to hold political posts. The oppression became too much and a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla had enough.

On September 16, 1810, he rang his church's bell and delivered a speech now known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), demanding the end of Spanish rule. This started the brutal Mexican War of Independence, which lasted over a decade. On August 24, 1821, Spain withdrew and officially recognized Mexico as an independent country. Today, Father Hidalgo is known as the Father of Mexican Independence. Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated every year since that momentous day on September 16, 1810. To promote education among Hispanic students many organizations and companies have established scholarships for Hispanic students, as another way of supporting Mexican independence.

Mexican Independence Day has developed into a huge nationwide celebration over the past 200-plus years. The country's leaders were inspired by our own July 4 Independence Day festivities, so fireworks fill the skies at night and the day is filled with patriotic speeches, flag-waving, parades, live music, and home-cooked feasts. Red, white and green - the colors of the Mexican flag - are seen everywhere across Mexico and even cities in the U.S. with large Mexican populations.

One of the most popular events connected to Mexican Independence Day is when the President of Mexico rings the 200-year-old bell Father Hidalgo used in 1810 and recites the Grito de Dolores speech in front of 500,000 people. This event is broadcast live to millions via Mexican TV and radio on the evening of September 15.

Many people outside of Mexico think that Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo are the same things. Cinco de Mayo celebrates another victory when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French militia in 1862 during the Battle of Puebla.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with festive fireworks, fiestas or parties, and lots of good food and music. The colors for the day are of the Mexican flag - red, white, and green - which are seen everywhere in public areas along with flowers and other decorations. Mexicans jubilantly blow whistles and horns and throw confetti, and crowds chant "Viva la independencia nacional!" and "Viva Mexico!" in the streets.

Traditional mariachi music spices up the events with lively dancing. Of course, food is one of the most important aspects of Independence Day celebrations - restaurants and street vendors sell traditional Mexican food. Others prepare feasts at home to serve at parties. This includes fruit punch, candies like marzipan, 'pozole' - a soup made from hominy and pork, beef stew known as 'Menudo,' roast lamb, 'Queso Fundido' - a Mexican cheese fondue, and chips with guacamole and salsa. Popular beverages for parties are Mexican beer, sangria, or tequila.

127.6 million - the population of Mexico.

$1.269 trillion - the gross domestic product of Mexico.

50 - the number of indigenous languages spoken in Mexico.

13th - the ranking of Mexico as the largest country in terms of land.

52 - the international dialing code for Mexico.

Mexican Independence Day FAQs

Can you watch the President of Mexico reenact the The Cry of Dolores in person?

Yes. If you travel to Mexico City and go to the National Palace on September 15 around 11 p.m., you can be among the 500,000 people watching the President ring the bell of Hidalgo and recite The Cry of Dolores in person.

Why is Mexican Independence Day not as popular a holiday as Cinco de Mayo is in the U.S.?

Some experts in international relations think that Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the USA because it celebrates Mexican culture overall and does not celebrate the start of a war in another country, which Mexican Independence Day does.

What is the Cinco de Mayo?

The Cinco de Mayo is a celebration commemorating the victory of the Mexicans over the French at the Battle of Puebla.

Where exactly is the town of Dolores in Mexico?

Dolores, the charming colonial town where Father Hidalgo gave his famous Cry of Dolores speech, is located in central Mexico. The church where Hidalgo gave his famous speech still stands and there is a museum dedicated to his life in town as well as affordable hotels in the area.

Is Mexico a third world country?

Although technically recognized as a 3rd world country, Mexico has a thriving economy, an incredibly developed infrastructure, and low infant mortality rates compared with most other counties of the world.

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Come join the celebration on Mexican Independence Day as the nation commemorates her independence from Spain.

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What is the difference between Hispanic and Latinx

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What is the difference between Hispanic and Latinx

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What Is the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino?

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While Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably, one refers to language and the other to location. Learn the definition of each term and when to use them.

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Visit the Oklahoma History Center

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Shining a spotlight on an integral, but largely unexamined, community in Oklahoma

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Agua Fresca: A perfect drink for a hot day

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Summer might be winding down up north, but here in Southwest Florida the heat continues full steam ahead. Aguas frescas are light and refreshing drinks and they’re worth a try the next time you’re at a Mexican restaurant â or at home.

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Homemade Pinata: How to make your own pinata- for classroom or parties!

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Attend 09/18 Webinar - Empowered Journeys: The Power of Civility and Unity in Hispanic Heritage

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Attend 09/18 Webinar - Empowered Journeys: The Power of Civility and Unity in Hispanic Heritage

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Become an Ally - Join Mixed Roots Inclusion Group

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Become an Ally - Join Mixed Roots Inclusion Group

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