Five Central American countries -- Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica -- started their Independence Day celebrations September 15.

For one weekend in September, more than 155 million people in six neighboring countries on one continent pull out all the stops to honor the birth of their nations. Mexico joins in the celebrations on September 16th.

September 15 also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. During one month, latinos from representing countries gather to celebrate their traditions, food, music, history and overall culture and heritage.

Festivities, Celebrations and History

We asked people from each country to send in their best images from past and present Independence Day celebrations. From masked revelers in Guatemala to elaborately costumed dance troupes in Honduras, we received stunning images from nations proud to celebrate their beginnings.

The festivities are marked with fireworks, traditional folk songs, dancing and costumes. There are also parades, street parties, festivals and family gatherings, though each country in Central America has its own approach to the big day.

Since 1981, Belize has held "September Celebrations" to honor both its independence from the U.K. and The Battle of St. George's Caye, a battle between invading Mexican forces and resident woodcutters in 1798. The celebrations are unique for their mystique; the Queen of the Bay beauty pageant, a citizens' parade, and a carnival of wild costumes and dancing allow the country to celebrate its native Mestizo and Maya culture.

On Sept. 7, Brazil celebrates its independence from Portugal in 1822. When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal in 1808, the Portuguese monarchs moved the court to Brazil and gave the colony more administrative independence. Eventually, Brazil refused to return to colony status and declared independence.

Chile celebrates its independence from Spain on Sept. 18, (the year they achieved independence was 1810.) With food, music, parades, and historical reenactments, the country holds "national parties" that can last for weeks. The national rodeo finals are held in Rancagua, while thousands of people fly kites in Antofagasta.

"El Grito" in Mexico

On Sept. 16, Mexico celebrates the "Grito de Dolores," or cry for independence from Spain that marked the beginning of the Mexican War for Independence in 1810. Every Sept. 15 at 11 p.m., the president of Mexico goes to the National Palace in the capital, rings a bell, makes a cry of patriotism, honors the war heroes, and shouts "Viva México!" from the balcony to the 500,000 people assembled in the plaza below.

Everyone applauds and sings the national anthem; this ceremony is replicated around the country. Festivities continue the next day, including parades, marching band performances, concerts, and more. School parades, governmental events and more are part of these celebrations.

The 190th anniversary of the independence of Nicaragua will be held with a varied program of activities to be developed in the first two weeks of September. Public events, cleanups, the Torch of Independence Tour, lectures on the thought of national heroes, and more, will be part of the events scheduled for these festivities.

The events for the "patriotic month," as September is called by the national government, began Sept. 1 and ended Sept. 15, the date the Central American countries were declared independent from the Spanish crown back in 1821. "We have organized a series of activities to homage the heroic actions of Nicaraguans in order to obtain their independence, sovereignty and freedom", stated the program of activities provided by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education.

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