Why do so many Spanish-speaking countries celebrate their independence in September? We explore the historical connections behind these celebrations, including how Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica came to share September 15, and why Mexico and Chile commemorate the beginnings of their independence movements rather than the dates they officially became independent. We also share our personal experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day, discuss the traditions and foods that make this season special, and look at how these dates connect to Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the history behind the celebrations—and perhaps a new reason to experience one for yourself while traveling.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica share September 15 as an important independence date and how their shared history shaped the celebrations we know today.
• Discover why Mexico and Chile celebrate dates that mark the beginning of their independence movements, even though they became formally independent years later.
• Explore how independence celebrations bring together food, traditions, history, and local culture—and hear about our own experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day with locals.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 181 – Sobre Chile | About Chile
• 056 – Cinco de Mayo
• 034 – La Revolución Mexicana | The Mexican Revolution
• 023 – La Independencia de México | Mexico’s Independence
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

Support the show

Could getting dental treatment in Mexico actually be worth it? I share my seven-to-eight-month Invisalign journey, including why I decided to fix my overbite, how much I paid, what the treatment was really like, and the biggest challenge I faced: not being able to snack whenever I wanted! I also explain how Invisalign works, compare it with traditional braces, and talk about the functional benefits I noticed beyond having a better-looking smile. May and I also discuss our experiences with healthcare outside the United States and why a clinic that looks less luxurious doesn’t necessarily provide lower-quality care. If you’ve ever considered getting dental or medical treatment abroad, this episode will give you a firsthand look at what the experience can be like.

Key Takeaways:

• Why I decided to get Invisalign and how correcting my bite improved more than just the appearance of my smile.
• What Invisalign is actually like—including the cost, treatment timeline, discomfort, eating restrictions, and what happens after the active treatment ends.
• What I learned from getting dental treatment in Mexico and why I think it’s worth researching options abroad before assuming treatment in the U.S. is the only choice.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 210 – El Camino A La Visión 20/20 Con Jaime | The Path To 20/20 Vision With Jaime
• 171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
• 167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

Chiles en nogada are one of Mexico’s most celebrated seasonal dishes, and we’re sharing what makes them so special. We talk about our own experiences trying vegetarian versions in Puebla, explain what goes into preparing everything from the stuffed poblano pepper to the famous walnut sauce, and highlight why this colorful dish is such an important part of Mexican culture. We also discuss the legendary origin story of chiles en nogada, whether it’s history or folklore, and how food and storytelling have shaped Mexican traditions for generations. Along the way, we explain why the dish is only available for a short season, why it’s one of Mexico’s most expensive traditional meals, and even settle the debate over whether it’s better capeado (battered) or without the batter. By the end, you’ll understand why tasting chiles en nogada in Puebla is an experience every food lover should have.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why chiles en nogada are a symbol of Mexican history, culture, and national identity—not just a delicious meal.
• Learn how this iconic dish is prepared, from roasting and stuffing the poblano pepper to making the rich walnut sauce and assembling its signature flavors.
• Explore the legends, traditions, and seasonal customs surrounding chiles en nogada, and find out why Puebla is the best place to experience them.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 273 – Mole Poblano – El Sabor Profundo De México | Mole Poblano – The Deep Flavor Of Mexico
• 158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
• 130 – Comidas Mexicanas Que No Conoces | Mexican Foods You Don’t Know About
• 013 – La Comida Mexicana | Mexican Food
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show