Central Americans, Mexicans mark independence

The Hispanic Association of Manitoba (HAMI) hosted its annual Independence Day celebration for Central America and Mexico at Rideau Park on Saturday afternoon.

The event marked the independence anniversaries of six countries—Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico — which gained freedom from Spain in mid-September two centuries ago.

The day was filled with folkloric dances, live music, traditional foods and storytelling that connected Brandon’s Hispanic residents to their cultural roots, group president Leonardo Hernandez told the Sun at the event.

“We are celebrating not just independence but our heritage,” he said. “The most important part is to keep our culture alive in a different country, and to present to our children what we used to do back home, so they can feel proud of their heritage.”

More than 150 people attended, with families and students filling the park with the colours of national flags and the sounds of traditional songs. Dance groups, including a Salvadorian folkloric troupe and the HAMI dancers, performed routines from across Latin America, reflecting the diversity within the Hispanic community.

For co-founder Eliana Osorio, the celebration represents the original vision that inspired her and her husband to establish HAMI in 2016, ‘unity.’

“I realized there were a lot of Hispanic people in Brandon, but they were apart,” she said. “So we thought it would be a good idea to unite this community, preserve our language, and maintain our heritage. Today, people from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and beyond are dancing, eating and celebrating together.”

Beyond festivities, HAMI has grown into a non-profit organization that provides educational programs, including free Spanish and English classes, financial literacy workshops, and intercultural exchanges.

Osoria explained the group’s mission is not only to preserve Hispanic traditions but also to support integration into Canadian society.

Brandon University has been a key partner in this effort. Historian Patricia Harms, early supporter of HAMI, has helped secure spaces on campus for dance practices and classes.

“When people first arrive, language is often the biggest barrier,” Harms explained. “We began offering English classes because it was vital for connection, employment, and integration. The University has supported us with space, while the community itself has driven the vision. It’s been a beautiful collaboration.”

Saturday’s celebration highlighted that collaboration in full colour, as children born in Canada danced in traditional costumes taught by HAMI’s folkloric co-ordinator, while families shared homemade dishes and stories from their home countries.

As Osorio noted, the festival is about more than remembering independence—it’s about building bridges.

“We want our children to grow up connected to their roots,” she said. “And at the same time, we invite Canadians and people from other backgrounds to celebrate with us, because this culture is for sharing.”

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