SEPTEMBER 15-16

Mexico and Central American countries have a celebration on September 15th to remember how they won their independence from Spain. From 1512 until 1821, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama were ruled by Spain. At this time, Spain called the entire area Mexico.

During this three century period the Spanish gave the Mexican area very little chance at self-governing. Eventually, the people of the Mexican and Central American area felt that their rights had been taken away. They wanted to rule themselves and be free from the bonds of Spain. Then, different regions with diverse ideas began to turn against one another.

By the 19^th century, most of Mexico and Central America had revolted and become independent of Spain. On September 15^th in 1810, Father Delores Hidalgo and other leaders decided to fight for freedom from Spain. This is considered to be the official beginning of the revolution for freedom from Spain. Independence was finally gained in 1821.

Today Independence Day is celebrated throughout Mexico and Central America. Feliz Cumpleanos is the Mexican and Central American birthday song. It is sung as a celebration for the "birth" of freedom in these nations.

The sixth grade’s country to study is Spain. As part of our study we prepare the Independence Day celebration for the school. Each cupcake the students brought in had a small Mexican flag to commemorate their freedom from Spain.

The students from sixth grade also went to each classroom and taught the children how to sing Feliz Cumpleanos (Happy Birthday). The classes can now sing this song during birthday celebration throughout the school year.