FLVS Hispanic Heritage Festival Throughout the month of October, experience Latin American flavor by attending the variety of events being held for the first-ever FLVS Hispanic Heritage Festival. Learn about music, food, culture, and countries that have influenced our state and nation.   Beginning on September 15 with the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated around the country. Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. According to the 2000 Census, more than 35 million Latinos reside in the US. This month, the Spanish teachers at FLVS have teamed up to bring you many exciting and informative presentations, including many guest speakers. Authors Gary Soto, Alma Flor Ada, and Sergio Troncoso, Commissioner Tony Ortiz, Classical Guitarist Eladio Scharrón, and businessman Rafael Umpierre, CPA will be among the honored guests. Come celebrate our diversity and recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the US.