Religion has played an important role in the Hispanic culture. Approximately 90% of Hispanics areRoman Catholic, although other faith denominations have also grown in the US Hispanic population (11). There are various religious holidays and periods where fasting may be observed, including the Fridays leading up to Easter (the Lenten period) where meat as well as other foods such as sweets may be avoided.
Hispanics celebrate popular international holidays, as well as many religious holidays (Roman Catholic), including Easter, Christmas, New Years, and Three Kings Day (11). Because of the central importance that religion has on the culture, many countries hold religious dates as holidays. For instance, school and businesses may be closed for Easter in many Hispanic countries (11). Each country also celebrates its independence day. For instance, Mexican Independence Day is September 16.
