La Revista Hispana Hispanic Review By Mary Rositas, Beverly Piper, Mary Elena Bernhardt, Elaine Stark and Andrew Herrera

Spanish Explorers Discovered New Worlds Christopher Columbus’ voyage that discovered the Americas was sponsored by the Spanish Crown in 1492.

Columbus’ was the First of Many Spanish Voyages Ferdinand Magellan, the first man to cross the Pacific Ocean, represented Spain. The survivors from his crew became the first men to sail around the world in 1521.

Ferdinand and Christopher

Spain Conquers Mexico Also in 1521, about 500 Spanish soldiers arrived in Mexico, headed by an ambitious man: Hernán Cortés. At this time, the Aztecs had built a great empire that ruled over all Mesoamérica. The Spaniards decided to direct their attacks towards them.

Spain and the New World Mix As you know, indigenous peoples were the first to inhabit what is now known as Mexico.

The Mexican Native Americans created great civilizations such as the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltec, and of course the most powerful of all, the Aztec Empire.

After 300 years of oppression, people in Mexico had had enough of Spanish domination. However, the language, music, and foods of Mexico will forever remain influenced by the Spanish presence.

History of Mexican Independence: 16 de Septiembre El Grito every 16th of September is the Mexican Fiesta par excellence! On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.

In the early hours of September 16,1810, father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators –Iganacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of Mexico’s freedom.

It is customary for the president to deliver the grito in Mexico City’s zocalo. It is in this plaza atop Palacio Nacional, the National Palace a beautiful colonial building where the President’s offices are located that the original bell rang by Hidalgo is placed. This is the bell that is rung every 16 of September.

The GRITO ceremony continues as the crowd proudly shouts the names of the heros of the Independece ending with the VIVA MEXICO!

Another great day of victory and celebration is:

Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is a date of great importance for the Mexican and Chicano communities. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla.

Althought the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves of any foreign intervention. Especially those from imperialist states bent on world conquest. Cinco de Mayo's history has its roots in the French Occupation of Mexico. The French occupation took shape in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of

And who could forget when reviewing Hispanic Culture…

History of Mexican Food The Spanish brought to the Americas products such as pork, beef, lamb citrus fruits, garlic, vinegar and wine, milk, and wheat.

But perhaps the heart and soul of Hispanic Culture resides in its Music.

Conjunto Music The diatonic button accordion, which is the heart of conjunto music, was introduced sometime in the middle 19 th century- possibly by German, Czech, or Polish immigrants who settled there.

Narciso Martinez Narciso Martinez invented the conjunto sound, playing lively accordion-led dance tunes with the bajo sexto (bass guitar) for rhythm. His unique style and his choice to use the accordion as a melodic rather than a rhythm instrument; his willingness to experiment with conjunto music, all mark Narciso Martinez as a powerful influence on accordion players and on border music in general.

Work Cited http// http// m/html http// mexico.com/featureindep.htm http//

TEKS Social Studies: 1 A, 1 E, 1 K, 4 A-4 B, 4 C Reading: 2.3 E, 2.6 A, 2.9 I, 3.7 B, 3.9 F, G, J, 6.12 A, 6.13 A, B, C, G, I, 6.15 C, 6.17 E Math: 3.1 A, 3.14 A, B

The End Accordion Music Played by Mary. Rositas Created by: Beverly Piper Mary Elena BernhardtElaine Stark Andrew Herrera Mary Rositas and