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ITD joins celebration to honor Hispanic cultural contributions

National Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Latino cultures, and ITD is privileged to share in that celebration through Oct. 15.

“Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today” is this year’s theme and all are invited to honor common cultural, spiritual and historical bonds.

The influence of Hispanic culture can be seen in many homes and families through food, décor, entertainment or celebrations.

Nestor and Sonna Lynn Fernandez celebrate many of the of the Mexican and American holidays – which, by the way, can be a lot, according to Sonna Lynn, ITD transportation planning coordinator.

Nestor, road design engineer for the department, is from Mexico City and has lived in the United States for more than 25 years. The couple’s goal for their daughter, Brianna, has been to teach her about her combined heritage.

“But this year we have a twist,” said Sonna Lynn. “Our 12-year-old nephew Alan (pronounced ah-lawn) has come to live with us to learn about American culture. With him here, we will truly be celebrating and embracing Mexican culture.”

Activities the family will be celebrating this year include the traditional American Halloween on Oct. 31, followed by celebrating the Los Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Nov. 1-2.

“This will be Alan’s first time going trick-or-treating,” she said. “It should be fun to watch.”

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebration of both life and death, honoring the spirit of family ancestors. Special candles are lit in honor of loved ones, and cemeteries often are decorated with fresh flowers.

“What people are most familiar with are the paper maché sculptures that depict the dead in an everyday context, such as skeletons – and many are comical in nature,” she said.

Sonna Lynn added that her family attends special Masses to celebrate and remember loved ones.

“Another thing we do in our home is celebrating Dia del Niño (Children’s Day) on April 30,” she said.

“On Children's Day, the main focus is on the children and making them feel special. In shopping malls all over Mexico, special events with clowns, magicians, music, shows and balloons take place. Amusement parks as well as zoos and children's museums usually offer discounts or special deals for children on this day. We celebrate it by giving them gifts similar to Mother’s and Father’s days,” she explained.

Hispanic Heritage Month raises awareness of what Hispanics have done. The Hispanic mix of races, cultures and colors are fostering new human relationships, life styles, cultural forms and values.

These are important qualities that may lead to better understanding, respect and a common purpose celebrated every day.