6 Captivating Hispanic History Destinations You Must See in Person! Shannon Durso October 9, 2017 Arts & History, Hispanic American Heritage Month, Interests Sure, you can read all about the great places around the globe where Hispanic influence left a big impact…or, you know, you can go there yourself instead! There’s a whole world to explore, and if you’re interested in discovering locations imbued with some cool Latin spirit, there are plenty of places you should check out. So, how about adding these 7 places to your travel list? Chicano Park – San Diego “Chicano Park Murals” by kellinahandbasket is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 An iconic and inspiring area of artwork founded in 1970, San Diego’s Chicano Park memorializes the culture, events, and history of Hispanic heritage. You can find this 7.9-acre park under the San Diego Coronado Bridge. The park’s murals tell a number of different stories relating to Hispanic culture and you may recognize some of the people featured in the paintings, like Frida Kahlo, Cesar Chavez, Che Guevara, and Pancho Villa. Well-known artists, both local and from around the globe, have contributed work to the famous park over the years. It’s not your average art museum but Chicano Park is certainly a great place to explore the different outdoor paintings — taking in the impeccable detail and bright coloring of each mural — rather than touring a more-traditional gallery. Las Lajas Sanctuary – Colombia “Santuario_de_Las_Lajas,_Ipiales,_Colombia,_2015-07-21,_DD_21-23_HDR-Edit” by Diego Delso is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Legend has it that, many years ago in 1754, a woman and her deaf daughter were stuck in a horrific storm along the Guaitara River in the southern part of Colombia’s Narino region, when they looked up to see the Virgin Mary appear on the rocks of a canyon wall after a bolt of lightning struck; the young daughter was then suddenly healed of her deafness. Afterwards, a shrine was built in the exact location of the 18th-century miracle and later evolved into the huge basilica and bridge. The breathtaking church is strongly recognized for its religious, historical, and architectural significance, as well as its unique and spectacular location 130 feet above the river. Although Colombia is a Catholic country with lots of churches, the history and beauty of Las Lajas easily outshine the rest. Castillo de San Marcos – St Augustine, FL Today, this National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to protect St. Augustine from being attacked by those who were fighting for the “New Land” in North America. This structure was built from coquina — shells from shellfish — so that its walls could capture ammunition from cannons, preventing explosions. This military fort was only passed ownership through agreements or political treaties. This structure remains as the main tourist attraction of St Augustine, Florida. You may also like: Discover The Hispanic Legacy of St. Augustine, the Oldest Town in the US The Alamo – San Antonio “The Alamo” by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Originally named the Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a historical site situated near the San Antonio River. The site was originally occupied by the Spanish Military in the early 1800s, who named it “El Alamo”… until the Battle of the Alamo began in 1836. You’ve probably heard the phrase “Remember the Alamo”; it’s the legendary battle cry of the Texans that represents their defiant last stand against the much larger Mexican Army. Even though the battle was lost, the heroism on display ultimately inspired the Texans to succeed in their fight for independence. If you’re interested in exploring the history of the United States as well as Hispanic history, then a trip to The Alamo is a must! There are many heroes who have died here and tons of history to soak up. Tikal National Park – Guatemala “Belize Guatemala 2010 426” by ryanacandee is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 If you love ancient history and are eager to score some cheap international flights, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Tikal. An ancient Mayan citadel located in the rainforest of northern Guatemala, the national park is brimming with massive pyramids, temples, and palaces. It’s the perfect place to join in a tour to learn all about the history of ancient Mayan civilization. Aside from being one of Guatemala’s most important historical sites (and popular tourist spot), Tikal National Park is also a great place to admire the wildlife of the surrounding rainforest, usually just by listening to the sounds of the birds and other animals. César Chávez National Monument – Keene, CA “Cesar Chavez National Monument” by ray_explores is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 This site located in Keene, California is the first national park to honor a contemporary Latin American. If you’re unfamiliar, Cesar Chavez is one of the most important leaders of the 20th century in labor and human rights in the U.S. He’s honored here in respect to his leadership in the farm worker movement as a co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association. If you’re thinking about booking cheap airfare to visit the Golden State, then make time in your itinerary to visit this site, where you’ll get to see where he lived and worked close to the end of his life. Have you visited a historical Hispanic site other than the ones mentioned? Tell us about it in the comments below!
