With newfound representation in politics, trailblazing reforms in Latin America and new inroads in the entertainment industry, 2013 was a great year to be a Latino. Relive 11 moments that made us proud to be Latino this year.
Record Number Of Latinos In Congress
Getty Images
In January, a record-number of 31 Latinos took seats in
Congress, including three senators.
Richard Blanco Recites The Inaugural Poem
AP
A Big Step For Spanish In Politics
AP
First Latin American Pope
The Vatican looked beyond Europe to select Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio in March to become Pope Francis I, the first Latin American pontiff.
It was a logical choice. Latin America is home to more 480 million Catholics, according to CNN -- more than any other region in the world. Picking a Pope from outside the world's richest countries appears to have had an impact. Pope Francis has turned heads by reportedly sneaking out into the middle of the night to
minister to the homeless, and his
stinging criticism of capitalism.
Carlos Arredondo To The Rescue
AP
Costa Rican immigrant Carlos Arredondo became a nationally praised hero when he helped rush Jeff Bauman to receive medical attention after his legs were blown off in the Boston bombings in April. One of the most unforgettable images of 2013 was that of Arredono pinching one of Bauman's arteries closed to staunch the bleeding as he rushed from the scene with an emergency responder and a volunteer.
It's worth pausing to note that at one point Arredondo had lived in the United States as an
undocumented immigrant. Luckily he wasn't deported.
Sebastien De la Cruz Shut Down The Haters
AP
When
11-year-old mariachi singer Sebastien de la Cruz took the stage to sing the National Anthem before game three of the NBA Finals in June, he faced a deluge of criticism from Twitter haters wondering why a "Mexican" took the honor.
Unfazed, de la Cruz answered his critics with class, saying: "They don’t know my life. My father was actually in the Navy for a really long time… People don’t know, they just assume that I’m just Mexican. But I’m not from Mexico, I’m from San Antonio born and raised, a true San Antonio Spurs fan."
First All-Latina Leading Cast In Prime Time
AP
Actress-Producer-Activist Eva Longoria made TV history in 2013 with the debut of "Devious Maids," featuring an
all-Latina leading cast. While the show marked a move forward in an industry that often leaves Latinos out, the show was also criticized for reinforces stereotypes of Latinas as over-sexed maids.
A New Spanish-Language Film Record
AP
"Instructions Not Included" set a
new record at the box office, becoming the most successful Spanish-language film to hit the silver screen in the United States.
Still The Highest-Paid Actress In TV
AP
What other moments made you proud to be Latino in 2013? Let us know in the comments.