Submitted by Ricki Walters,
In September, we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, Mexican Independence Day on September 16, and Grito de Lares on September 23. These commemorations celebrate the victories of the indigenous peoples of several Hispanic countries over their Spanish conquerors that eventually resulted in their independence from Spain. You can find more information about these celebrations at:
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhm1.html
http://www.mexonline.com/mexican-independence.htm
http://nylatinojournal.com/home/history/americas/el_grito_de_lares.html
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Ramadan is also commemorated in September this year. It begins on September 1st and continues through September 30th. Observing Muslims begin their Ramadan commemorations at sunset of the previous day, so this year, they will celebrate beginning at sunset on August 31st. In North America, Ramadan will begin one day later because of sight ability.
Ramadan always begins on the same day of the Islamic calendar, but the date on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year. This happens because the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. The date of Ramadan may also fluctuate from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of sharing, solidarity and remembering; a time to get closer to God. It is commemorated by fasting during daylight hours. Observing Muslims do not eat, drink, swear or fight during daylight hours during Ramadan. Beginning at the age of 12, Muslims eat a light meal before sunrise, and then a second, more sumptuous meal, after sunset.
