September is National Hispanic Heritage Month!
Given the rich cultural influence of Ori’Zaba’s™ flavors, we thought our fans might appreciate a little insight into the celebration of the National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The diverse Latino (male) and Latina (female) population in America comes from multiple continents and islands, and share many common religions, cultures and language. Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic are just some of the Hispanic cultures that thrive in the United States.
Many of Latinos arrived as immigrants or refugees, while others can trace their ancestry back before the United States was formed.
Even before the colonization of America, the land in North America during the 1500s held interest to European kingdoms who heard of a “New World” which promised endless land and riches. Spain and other Europeans sent explorers, priests and military to claim lands.
Spanish conquistadors, traders and missionaries took over much of South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. The expansion continued into areas that are now known as California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. Many of these communities were a unique mix of Spanish speaking settlers, native tribes, and Europeans. Trade thrived and along with it disease and devastation
In the 1800s the Manifest Destiny pushed national borders west, resulting in the Mexican-American War, essentially doubling America’s territory, and increasing its population by nearly a third. Other wars resulted in US control of Puerto Rico.
Today, the Latino community is thriving and entrepreneurial. According to Fortune.com Latinos wield more than $1.3 trillion in buying power and are creating new businesses at a faster rate than other Americans. Outside of the obvious economic impact, the cultural impact of Hispanic heritage is undeniable. Latin influences can be seen in all aspects of life in America and in Ori’Zaba’s flavors and traditions.
