Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

On October 26, in conjunction with Senegal’s premier salsa band Orchestra Baobab, the Public Affairs Section of the American Embassy organized an event in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Attended by a wide cross section of Senegalese society, the program featured a mélange of rhythms from West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.  From September 15-October 15, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.