Roberto Amador stood by a statue of Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, watching dancers perform a folkloric dance from Nicaragua to the sounds of the marimba, an instrument similar to the xylophone.

For an emotional Amador, who left Nicaragua in the 1980s, the music brought back memories of his Central American birthplace.

``The music penetrates into my soul,'' said Amador, who lives in the Fontainbleau area and last visited his country about three years ago. ``The Nicaraguan music is so special. It's very emotional for me.''

Hundreds of people with ties to Central America and Mexico attended the 10th annual Cultural Integration Day to celebrate their countries' respective independence days at Ruben Dario Park, 9825 W. Flagler Street, on Sunday.

``This is a day to remember better days we had in our native country,'' said Amador, referring to the political and economic troubles that have plagued his homeland over the years.

The Central American Independence Day is observed in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Ric on Sept. 15, while Mexicans celebrate their national holiday Sept. 16. The venue for Sunday's event, which also drew revelers hailing from many Latin American countries, was fitting: Nearby Sweetwater has become an enclave for Central American, especially Nicaraguan, immigrants over the years.

A parade, which began at Sweetwater Elementary and ended at Ruben Dario Park, kicked off the festivities. Seven army veterans led the parade by carrying an American flag, followed by other members of local community organizations, who each carried flags from all five Central American countries and Mexico. Coral Park Senior High's band also marched.

The nonprofit Community Performing Arts Association, based in South Miami-Dade, organized the event. The organization helps promote Latin American tradition and culture in South Florida, among other goals.

Organization founder Consuelo Espinosa said the celebration is a way for Central Americans to remember their homelands.

``This is a way to conserve our tradition and culture that we left in our country,'' said Espinosa, who is from Nicaragua. ``We will always remember our roots.''

The nonprofit hosts several cultural events throughout South Florida.

Attendees also participated in raffles, dance contests and enjoyed traditional foods like tacos and carne asada.

``I love to celebrate the festivities for the 15th of September,'' said Jary Meza from Costa Rica. ``I get very emotional celebrating my independence.''

The crowd also enjoyed several traditional dances like El enano cabezon y la gigantona (which translates roughly to mean The Short Man with the Big Head and the Giant Woman).

Little Havana resident Nubia Pomar's dance group, made up of 10 young girls, danced Nicaraguan folkloric ballets such as La casa de mi suegra (My Mother-in-law's House).

Carlos Pereira, who is from Honduras, says it's significant to keep traditions alive.

``It's important to teach our children our traditions, so they can also have love to our country,'' said Pereira, who remembered the parades that would march through the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa during the annual celebration. ``Because it's there's, too, even though some were born in the United States.''

Pereira adds that his native country's Independence Day celebration can't be duplicated, but he remembers it being a family day.

As for Amador, attending the event is a moment to catch up with old friends and be patriotic.

``Being here gives me a lot of desire to return back to my country,'' he said. ``However, for some, it is difficult for us.''

Other events celebrating the independence of Central America and Mexico were also held in Little Havana and Miami.

For information on the Community Performing Arts Association's upcoming events e-mail comperarts@hotmail.com.

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