Madam Speaker, October is Latin American Heritage Month.
Latin America has a history rich in culture and traditions that is as diverse as its many component countries. It tells of the birth of many civilizations and peoples, such as the Miskito, Mapuche, Inca, Maya, and Aztec peoples.
Then came the conquistadors and the Spanish conquest, the wars of independence, and the creation of independent states.
Over the years, despite the ups and downs, Latin American countries have evolved and developed their own identities. They have influenced the world, whether it is through music and dance, including salsa, merengue, rumba, and tango, or the literature of such authors as Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Pablo Neruda, not to mention their great athletes, like Maradona, Pelé and, currently, Lionel Messi.
Today, more than ever, Latin America is vibrant and successful.
[Member spoke in Spanish as follows:]
Señora Presidenta, que viva América Latina!