By Karla Perez

Miami is a mecca for diversity. In its busy streets linger the resonant sounds and distinctive touch of almost any language, culture, race, and ethnicity one could possibly think of. It is a world unto itself, a place where anyone can freely express and be proud of who they are — of what makes them, them.

For this reason, it has always been called a “melting pot”: a place where everyone and everything is from anywhere in the world. It is a city with a population — and cultural diversity — that continues to grow every year. It is a city that is thriving and where the new generations of children born from immigrant families are making a new life, distinct from their parents’ roots.

September 15 through October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, which makes this the perfect time for this city’s Hispanic population — which surpasses over 70% of the city’s total population (United States’ Census) — to celebrate more than just culture. This time calls for an uproar of festivities and events that remind them to honor their Hispanic pride, along with the history behind it.

This special event began in 1988 as a way to commemorate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — all of which were gained in 1821.

But while this event is so precious and significant to the city and its people, it tends to make them overlook the fact that the circumstances are not like this anywhere else in the country.

Miami is in a bubble, wrapped and secured by the community that millions of immigrant families created over the course of several decades. Miami is distinct from the world — one could even argue it’s its own republic. Most of the residents are either immigrants or children of immigrants. Our parties celebrate not only not our similarities, but also our differences, our dialects and customs, a little salsa and cumbia, arepas and sponge cake.

We live in the capital of Latin America, in a cosmopolitan city that grows and triumphs by the will and tenacity of dynamic and tireless dreamers who put down new roots here.

Because this city is so enchanted by the safe nest it has created to seclude and protect its population from outside dangers, its people tend to forget that Hispanic heritage is not nearly as celebrated in a state like Ohio or North Carolina.

We need to realize that there really is no place like Miami. What is taught in this community — to celebrate and be proud of one another’s heritage — is crucial to the nourishment and development of the nation.

Don’t take for granted what is available as a Miamian. Celebrate the end of this year’ Hispanic Heritage Month the Miami way: loudly and extravagantly.