Soap operas. They've been a part of the American television landscape since the 1950s. The loss of Guiding Light last week, on the air for 57 years (not counting its 15 years on the radio), clearly demonstrates the obsession and passion Americans feel for the characters of their favorite "made for TV" fantasies.

Not surprisingly, Latinos love their soap operas too. Unlike their American counterparts, telenovelas (soap operas from Spanish-speaking countries) are aired in the evening. They are often a nightly ritual, watched by the entire family, and are a popular form of entertainment for people of all age groups.

Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived with colorful strides to the nation's Capitol and throughout the U.S. What started off in 1968 as a one-week celebration has now been a 30-day fiesta (from September 15 to October 15) since 1988. The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month marks the Independence Anniversary of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Being of Nicaraguan descent, I will wear my white & blue with Nica pride, and will celebrate nuestra cultura with my brothers and sisters--and "honorary" hermanos--through October 15...and beyond.