Hispanic Culture in

the United States- an

introduction

iii

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ................................................................................................................v
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................3
First Interview.........................................................................................................3
I. Mexican dish.................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
II.

Salvadorian dish ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

III.

Puerto Rican dish........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................9
Second Interview ....................................................................................................9
I. Day of the Dead ..............................................................................................10
II.

Christmas .....................................................................................................10

III.

Three Kings Day .........................................................................................10

Chapter 3 ..................................................................................................................13
Index .........................................................................................................................15
Work Cited ...............................................................................................................16

Introduction

Introduction
The world has changed into what it is today due to the interaction among peopletheir languages and culture. Specifically to this manual, the existence of
multiculturalism in the United States is largely due to the interaction among
Spanish speaking people from Latin-Americans countries and the opportunities
presented to them. As a world leading country, the Unites States is seen as the
Promised Land. To millions whose life has been of hard work for little money in
countries where poverty is rising above freedom comes the idea of achieving
something better for their sons and daughters through immigration.
The purpose of this manual is to give you an understanding of how the Hispanic
culture has adapted to the traditions and environment of a new country after it was
introduced by millions of Hispanic immigrants that live in the United States. The
manual is intended for an audience that has little to no knowledge about the
Hispanic culture and its development in the United States.
Explained below is the major difference between the terms Hispanic and
Latino. Although, often used interchangeably, the two terms refer to different
groups of people pertaining to Latin America.
Hispanic:

Latino:

This term is used to denote the culture and people of countries

formerly ruled by the Spanish Empire [part of Latin America] including Mexico and those belonging to Central and South
America (Diffen). More specifically, Hispanics are people who
are descendants or belonging to a country whose native language is
Spanish.
The term Latino refers specifically to people living in the US of
Latin American nationality and their US-born descendants.
Although from Latin America, this group of people speak
Romance languages, although Native American languages are also
spoken there (Diffen).

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Hispanic Culture in the U.S

In other words, Hispanics get their traditions and language from Spain while
Latinos do not. For the purpose of this manual we will only be dealing with the
culture belonging to the Hispanic group.
The manual will provide sections explaining:
Cuisine
Celebrations and
Customs
These section will compare the Hispanic culture in the United States and compare
it to the culture in Latin America - to understand the changes. I will provide several
images to help illustrate the culture and help clarify some of the misunderstandings
in the Hispanic culture.

Chapter 1:
More than food

Chapter 1

Chapter 1
Food is a tradition. In the Hispanic culture, whether it is in Mexico, Colombia, El
Salvador, Puerto Rico, food is a way of sharing with your family a piece of who
you are - where you come from. For many Hispanics the food that they prepare
each day for their families in the United States is a way of remembering their roots.
Food, more than a meal is a way of coming together after a hard day of work or
school. For Hispanics, food is a ritual of spices, meats, and vegetables that come
together to unite the family for the day. However, for many families living in the
United States the food prepared cant be compared to the food from their own
countries.
Following is an interview made to a mother of five who works to sustain her
family, but who also cooks each evening after coming from work.

First Interview
Josefina Hernandez
Hispanic- Born in Mexico
A cook - owner of Antojitos Mexicanos located in Mexico City.
1. What is Mexican food to you?
Mexican food was my way of surviving. It is my culture. A tradition passed
down from my experiences while I worked to support myself in Mexico
City when I was just starting to find my way as a 16 year old.
2. How is the Mexican food different from food made in Mexico?
Ingredients that are found in the United States are prepackaged and frozen.
During the process of taking them from location to location meats,
vegetables, and other ingredients lose their taste. Cheeses used to make
chiles rellenos, quesadillas, and enchiladas do not have the same flavor
even if the same process is followed to prepare them.
3. Has your cooking changed after coming to the United States?
No, my cooking hasnt changed. Although I have to replace ingredients
that are not available in this country, I have kept my recipes and ways of
cooking. These recipes are some of the few ways I have of connecting to
my country now.

Hispanic Culture in the U.S

Here are a few recipes on how Hispanic families cook different dishes from their
countries. I will provide the step-by-step instructions on how these dishes are
cooked followed by a ___________
I.

Central Latin America Dish

Tamales is a traditional Mexican dish. However, in contrast to what many
people think, there are many ways in which this dish is prepared in this
country. States in Mexico such as Yucatan or Veracruz prepare tamales
different than those made in central and even northern Mexico.
For the purpose of this manual, I will show how to make tamales native from
Mexico City. Following are the basic directions of the preparation of this
famous dish.

II.

South Latin America Dish

A Salvadorian dish that is known for all Hispanics is pupusas. Although
similar to gorditas from Mexico, this delicious Salvdaroain dish is

III. Caribbean Latin America Dish

Empanadillas

Chapter 1

Chapter 2:
Endless Festivities

Chapter 2

Chapter 2
Festivities are an important part of any culture. Whether Hispanics are celebrating
a birthday, Christmas, or attending a wedding their traditions are always present.
Below is an interview made to a young girl from Puerto Rico living in the United
States. In the interview she describes some of the festivities from her country, and
how they are practiced here today.

Second Interview
Cynthia Elaine Freytes
Hispanic Born in Puerto Rico
Student who lives in Puerto Rico, but visits the United States often during
vacation.

1. What type of festivities do you celebrate in Puerto Rico?

2. Are festivities important to you?
3. Are they different than those celebrated here?

10

Hispanic Culture in the U.S

Many countries in Latin America celebrate days like Day of the Dead, Three Kings
Day, Feast day of our Lady of Guadalupe, La Semana Santa or Holy Week,
Navidad or Christmas, and the days of independence for each country to name a
few of the festivities celebrated throughout the year.
Here are some examples of the festivities popular among Hispanics living in the
United States.

I. Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico starting from November 1 to
November2. Although many Mexicans celebrate this tradition, many things
have been lost in the way it is celebrated.
In the United States, the Day of the Dead is a time in which the Hispanic
community remember their dead. Many families buy pan de muerto (or day
of the dead bread), some wear masks, carry sign, or put up elaborate
decorations to honor the dead(TimeandDate). Nevertheless, many families
living in the United States cant go visit their loved ones at the cemetery or
spend the day cleaning their tomb or take flowers to them. Many Hispanics
in this day can only commemorate the dead by praying or some even make
alters that include foodsymbols, flowers, candles, photos, and other
mementos(TimeandDate).

II. Christmas
III. Three Kings Day

Chapter 3:
Customs, religion, and
more.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

13

Index

15

Index
immigration
multiculturalism

Romance languages
Spanish Empire

16

Work Cited
Diffen
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Diffen:About
Day of the Dead-Dia de los Muertos
Hernandez, Aracele
1998 (updated 2011)
NorthernNotes from the Northern Illinois University
http://www.niu.edu/newsplace/nndia.html
Time and Date
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/all-souls-day

Hispanic Culture in the U.S