Culture
In The Community
Brazil: September 7, 1822 – "Dia da Independência"
As the Portuguese Royal family sought refuge in Brazil during the Napoleonic Wars, the colony's status grew. When King João VI returned to Portugal in 1821, his son, Dom Pedro I, stayed behind. Amidst growing discontent and pressures for independence, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil an independent empire, making a smoother transition from colony to sovereign nation.
In the grand city of São Paulo, Prince Dom Pedro I shouted the famous "Independência ou Morte!" which means "Independence or Death!" This moment marked Brazil's liberation from Portuguese rule. Every year, Brazilians celebrate with military parades, concerts, and family gatherings. And don’t forget to try the brigadeiros, a delicious chocolate treat that's a staple during the festivities.
Image Credit: Igor Soares on Wikimedia Commons
Mexico: September 16, 1810 – "Grito de Dolores"
No, Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day. The roots of Mexican independence began with the desire for social and land reforms. The native and mestizo populations were growing weary of Spanish domination and the privileged Criollo class (those of Spanish descent born in the New World). This culminated in the early hours of September 16th, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bell of his church in Dolores, calling the people to revolt against Spanish rule. This uprising marked the beginning of a tumultuous decade-long struggle for Mexican independence.
Arguably one of the most lively and heartfelt of celebrations, Mexico's Grito de Dolores is famous worldwide. At the stroke of midnight on September 15th, the president and thousands of citizens echoed the cry of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest who beckoned his countrymen to rise against Spanish rule. Fireworks, ringing bells, and shouts of "Viva Mexico!" saturate the air. The following day is a national holiday filled with parades, mariachi music, and an array of Mexican delicacies.
Image Credit: Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
Chile: September 18, 1810 – "Fiestas Patrias"
While the exact reasons for Chile's desire for independence from Spain were multi-faceted, they were intensified by Napoleon's invasion of Spain, which threw the Spanish monarchy into disarray. Chile's Criollo leaders saw this as an opportunity. On September 18, 1810, they established a national junta in the name of the deposed king Ferdinand VII, a move that initiated the path towards full independence, which was achieved after years of conflict.
So, while it began on September 18th, Chile's celebration extends into the 19th, making it a two-day jubilee. The Fiestas Patrias, or national parties, include rodeos, dance performances of the Cueca (Chile's national dance), and communal meals featuring empanadas and chicha. The love for the homeland is palpable on these days as Chileans unite in pride and joy.
Image Credit: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile on Flickr
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua: September 15, 1821
Image Credit: Bruce Thomson on Wikimedia Commons
These independence celebrations aren’t just about freedom from colonial rulers, they also reflect a deeper struggle for identity, rights, and self-determination. Each nation, in its own unique way, battled internal and external challenges to shape its destiny, making September a month of profound reflection and celebration in Latin America. Viva la Independencia!
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Like so many other Latino cultural topics, it’s deeply nuanced.
The History of Hair Braids in Latin America
Andean cultures, like the Incas in Peru and Chile, also have a long history of hair braiding. Indigenous communities like the Quechua and Aymara are also known for their hair braids, which often communicate a person’s identity, connection to ancestors, strength, and vitality. Braids are even used to celebrate or mark life events and milestones.
Within Latino culture, this hairstyle has also been shaped by African people and their hair-braiding art. Because of the transatlantic slave trade, African culture merged with Latino hair-braiding traditions. Enslaved Africans brought their techniques and heritage, which spread because they used their hair as a means of communication.
For example, in 16th-century Colombia, intricate braids represented coded messages to spread information about the slaves’ surroundings, escape routes, and the locations of Spanish troops. African slaves also used braids to carry seeds, grains, and small trinkets. When they escaped, these belongings helped them survive and build communities wherever they went. To this day, hair braiding is a central part of the Afro-Colombian identity.
This is just some of the history of hair braiding in Latin America to give an idea of how ingrained it is into the culture. The integration of African and European ethnic groups has resulted in a wide range of hair textures, from straight to tightly coiled curls. Braiding has been a long-standing practice of hair care, but also of connection to our ancestors and roots.
Is It Cultural Appropriation to Wear Hair Braids?
This is a question most often asked by and for white people, but it’s also something Latinas ask themselves, especially those who are racially white or have lighter skin and can be white-passing. This has a lot to do with the fact that hair braids are primarily associated with Black culture, and they are indeed a central part of Black expression.
However, it’s also true that hair braiding is an integral part of Latino culture and has been for centuries. So, to determine whether wearing braids is appropriation, we have to consider the definition. Cultural appropriation consists of taking something from a culture that’s not your own and engaging with it in an exploitative or disrespectful way.
In the Latino and Afro-Latino communities, hair braiding shouldn’t be classified as cultural appropriation because it’s part of the heritage. It’s a practice that has been passed down through generations as a form of expression, hair care, and cultural pride. In the context of white people, the question is a bit more difficult to answer because it depends on the intention of the wearer and the type of braid as well.
For example, French braids, fishtail braids, and 3-strand braids are usually appropriate for everyone. They don’t hold the same cultural significance for Black or Latino people as box braids, braids with ribbons, beaded braids, side braids, crown braids, and many others, which are steeped in history and tradition.
When it comes to intention, wearing braids as a form of appreciation or a way of connecting to other cultures can be acceptable. For example, people who travel to the Caribbean often come back with braided hair because locals share this part of their culture. It’s also a way for them to make a living, so tourists directly contribute to their livelihoods.
Permanently adopting hair braids, especially the more traditional and culturally significant styles, might be cultural appropriation. Not having a connection to the symbolism and identity that certain styles represent, but wearing them anyway may be disrespectful. It may also be exploitative if there’s something to gain from adopting these hairstyles without regard for or acknowledgment of the communities they belong to.
Hair Braids as a Symbol of Latino Pride
Ultimately, wearing hair braids as Latinas is a great way to honor ancestors and traditions. There’s no rule for Latinas when it comes to wearing most styles of braids. It’s a matter of identifying the reason why they are being worn and how that relates to their identity, community, sense of self, and their politics.
Even if the decision is made not to wear hair braids, learning about them and sharing the knowledge can help bring the community closer together. A big part of bonding with one another is finding connections through sharing the different aspects of our culture, even if we don’t always partake in them.
Recognizing where hair braids come from and their influences, whether they’re African or Indigenous, is an effective way to help create awareness about our diverse experiences and relate more closely to the Latino community. Especially when that community is often overlooked and intentionally kept out of important historical narratives.
