Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It’s a time to celebrate the vibrant traditions and rich heritage that shape our communities today. 

To celebrate, the Mosaic Employee Resource Group, our affinity group focused on empowering people of color and others from underrepresented communities, featured five Hispanic employees based in Latin America who shared unique aspects of their culture and personal experiences.  

 

The Heart of Mexico City’s Street Markets 

Cinthia Chavez Ceballos, Associate Marketing Manager, shared her love for Mexico City, a neighborhood full of culture and tradition; a place where the past and present coexist. One of her favorite spots is La Lagunilla, a vibrant street market that captures the essence of Mexican life. 

Here, vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to antiques, art, furniture and handmade jewelry. Cinthia described each booth as a mini gallery, showcasing one-of-a-kind items where fashion and creativity meet vintage charm. The air is filled with the delicious smells of gorditas, tacos and other street foods; she says eating here is a ritual in itself. 

But La Lagunilla is more than a market, it’s a celebration of community. Live bands and DJs fill the streets with music, and people dance joyfully up and down the street. For Cinthia, this market reflects the spirit of Hispanic heritage: community, tradition, joy, creativity, food and music. 

 

Honoring Life Through Celebration in Mexico 

Rodolfo Javier Sánchez Aguiñaga, Finance Analyst, shared how Mexico’s ancient cities preserve their historic architecture and cultural traditions, especially through celebrations like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday beautifully blends indigenous and Spanish influences, honoring the lives of ancestors and loved ones who have passed. 

Families create colorful altars with candles, food, religious images and other offerings. Music fills the air, and vibrant decorations bring joy to the remembrance. Rodolfo describes Mexico as a mosaic of smells, traditions, flavors, color, and music. He says it is a place where culture is lived and felt deeply. He encourages everyone to visit and experience the richness of Mexican heritage firsthand. 

 

Chile’s Natural Beauty and Resilience 

Matias Quintana, Sales Executive based in Chile, shared his pride in the breathtaking landscapes and resilient spirit of his home country. Chile stretches between the towering Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, offering a mix of geography, from sandy beaches to the flowering deserts of the north and volcanoes in the south. 

Chile’s cultural richness is reflected in its traditional dances, such as La Tirana, La Cueca (Chile’s national dance) and La Chilota, which vary by region and express the country’s diverse heritage.  

Matias also highlighted the culinary traditions of Chile’s Easter Island, known for flavorful dishes like empanadas, corn pie, crab pie and the iconic seafood stew Paila Marina—a hearty soup made with shellfish, fish and aromatic herbs, traditionally served in an earthenware bowl.  

He spoke with pride about the resilience of the Chilean people, especially in the face of natural disasters. Specifically, Matias highlighted February 27, 2010, when one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history struck Chile. Despite frequent earthquakes, tsunamis and aftershocks, Chileans continue to rise, rebuild and support one another. 

Matias also shared the symbolism behind Chile’s flag: the blue represents the sky, the white reflects the snow-covered Andes, the red symbolizes the blood shed during the War of Independence, and the star signals the unity of the state. 

 

Colombia: Where Culture, Coffee and Community Thrive 

Lina Vinasco, Senior Sales Executive, shared her deep connection to Antioquia, Colombia, a region where she says the warmth of the people competes with the beauty of its mountains. Antioquia is a place full of strength, innovation and pride. 

Lina shared that the Paisa culture is a mosaic of traditions, from the monumental sculptures of Fernando Botero in Medellín’s Plaza Botero to the intricate craftsmanship of Jericó. These artistic expressions are steeped in the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, a scent that defines the region’s soul. 

Music and dance are also central to Antioquian life. Traditional styles like Bambuco, Salsa, and Vallenato fill the air with rhythm and emotion, expressing joy, love and community. 

The food in Colombia is also unique. Lina highlighted Bandeja Paisa, a regional dish that brings together beans, rice, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, arepa and more, a true celebration of the region’s agricultural abundance.  

One of the most anticipated events in Antioquia is the Flower Fair (Feria de las Flores) in August, which honors farmers and milkmen who help sustain the region. 

Above all, Lina emphasized the character of the people: hardworking, entrepreneurial and endlessly welcoming. She said you will always find an open door and a sincere smile. “Antioquia is not just a place; it’s a feeling.” 

 

Puerto Rico’s Global Icons 

José Santiago shared his love for the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, a place where music, folklore and community come together in vibrant harmony. One of the island’s most beloved symbols is the coquí, a tiny native frog whose enchanting nighttime song is a familiar and comforting sound to both locals and visitors. 

Puerto Rico has also made a global impact through its contributions to music and entertainment. José proudly highlighted icons like Benito Martínez (Bad Bunny), Rita Moreno (the first Latina to achieve EGOT status) and Luis Guzmán (currently starring in the Wednesday Adams series). These artists reflect the island’s creative spirit and cultural pride. 

He also highlighted the Fiestas de San Sebastian, held every January in Old San Juan. This multi-day celebration marks the end of Puerto Rico’s festive season and features parades, music, artisan markets and folkloric characters like the cabezudos, giant papier-mâché heads representing cultural and pop icons, and the vejigantes, mischievous figures in colorful, horned masks and costumes that blend Spanish, African and Taíno traditions. 

Music is central to Puerto Rican identity, and José emphasized the importance of salsa, a genre that, while rooted in Cuba, was internationalized by Puerto Rican artists. He also highlighted traditional instruments like the güiro, a notched gourd scraped to produce rhythmic sounds, and maracas, which originated with the Taíno people and add texture and energy to Puerto Rican music. 

 

Learn More: 

Our Employee Resource Groups play a critical role in hosting programming and activities that foster belonging. Our ERGs are open to all employees and provide an opportunity for personal connections and affiliation, promoting openness, understanding, acceptance, and inclusiveness. Additionally, ERGs promote education and allyship by offering events and resources that help employees learn about different perspectives and support their colleagues. 

For more examples of how we support our employees check out the Inclusion and Belonging page on our website and learn about our Employee Resource Groups.