September 15 to October 15, 2007 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Schools, organizations and cities around the country will focus their attention on the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage to the history of the United States. Hispanics bring together family and food better than just about any other ethnic group!

In Latino culture, tradition, family and the enjoyment of food are strongly intertwined. Family connections are strong, and are reinforced through frequent celebrations and social gatherings. Ranging from birthdays and baptisms to quinceaneras, graduations and holidays, good food is an essential element of the festivities. It is through the preparation of traditional Hispanic meals made from scratch, the use of spices and fresh ingredients and the act of cooking, that traditions are passed from one generation to the other.

One of the most interesting of the Hispanic celebrations is “The Day of the Dead” (Día de los Difuntos or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) which is typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. While the name of this holiday may seem morbid on the surface, it’s anything but! The celebration is all about honoring the lives of those who are deceased, and celebrating the continuation of their next stage of life.

There are many “Day of the Dead” celebrations throughout the US, some communities with a larger Hispanic population have created memorable events, like the All Souls’ Procession which now numbers almost 1,000 people parading through downtown Tucson. The best sources to find out what celebrations are taking place in your community can be found at Mexican and Spanish restaurants (or just Google the name of your city and “Day of the Dead”). It’s one of those celebrations that I for one have embraced and enjoy each year, and have borrowed and made part of my own culture.

With each new generation of immigrants to the United States come traditions and celebrations that renew the excitement and freedom of living in this country for us all.