The Hispanic community is strongly family oriented and a Hispanic family unit not just includes the parents and the children but also the extended family and their family ties are very strong. Hispanic families have the moral obligation to help a family member in need.
The Hispanic community is apt to being formal. Handshakes between two people are commonly practiced for greetings and leave-takings. Hugging and kissing the cheeks are also common between women. Appearance is of great importance to the Hispanic community they see it as a sense of pride, dignity and honor. Formal clothes are usually worn in social gatherings, in parties, in the workplace and in church.
Religion is very important to the Hispanic community, almost all Hispanics are Roman Catholic but in recent years other beliefs have increased in the Hispanic community. The church gives spiritual meaning to the Hispanic culture and largely influences family life. Every community commemorates their patron saint’s day with more importance and with a much impressive ceremony than birthdays.
Also, Hispanic communities love to celebrate holidays. Other than popular holidays such as Christmas, Easter and New Years, “El Dia de Independencia” is greatly anticipated and celebrated. Festivals can last for several days and the majority of holidays are usually significant to religion. Government offices are usually closed or have minimized hours during special holidays.
