Latin heritage

Salma Hayek proudly celebrates her Mexican roots on Independence Day


The star joins the festivities of her country’s national holiday


Producer Salma Hayek poses for photos during a red carpet of Monarca  Netflix Tv Series   premiere at Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso on September 10, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico (Photo by Eyepix/NurPhoto via Getty Images) © NurPhoto via Getty Images
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 5:32 PM EDT

Salma Hayek has always shown pride in her Mexican roots, and this September 16, her country’s Independence Day, she joined in the celebrations. The actress, born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, shared a post honoring Mexico’s patriotic holiday. Although her life now moves between Hollywood and the most cosmopolitan cities of Europe, the Oscar-nominated star never forgets her origins and proudly embraces her Latin heritage whenever she has the chance.

On her Instagram account, where she has over 30 million followers, the star of films like "Frida" posted a video highlighting her best moments, proudly showing off her roots.

© @salmahayek
Salma Hayek has built her Hollywood career with hard work and determination, becoming one of the Latinas who carry her country’s name with honor.

The video is made up of clips from red carpet events or industry gatherings where she carried her flag, as well as the time she shared the stage with Madonna during the pop icon’s show in Mexico City. On that occasion, Hayek was invited by the singer and dressed as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whom Madonna greatly admires.

“Happy Independence Day, Mexico! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 Long live freedom! Today we honor the courage and spirit of our people, who never give up. #VIVAMÉXICO,” wrote the actress and producer, who has long been regarded as a proud representative of her country.

“Nacional pride! Thank you, Salma,” “You’re Mexican pride,” “Always beautiful and proud of your roots,” “Our queen,” “So gorgeous!” were just some of the comments fans left under her post.

Spanish, Her Favorite Language for Expressing Anger

Salma Hayek has built her Hollywood career with hard work and determination, becoming one of the Latinas who carry her country’s name with honor. This pride in her roots has also been passed on to her daughter, Valentina Paloma. The 17-year-old, daughter of Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, speaks Spanish fluently, and at home, the family communicates in three languages.

© Getty Images
The 17-year-old, daughter of Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, speaks Spanish fluently, and at home, the family communicates in three languages.

During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Hayek revealed that her household switches between English, a neutral language for her and her husband, French, from his roots, and Spanish, from hers. In the lighthearted interview, the "Eternals" actress confessed that her favorite language for swearing is Spanish.

“I try not to curse in front of the kids, but my favorite language for curse words is definitely Spanish,” she admitted, making the audience laugh and surprising the host.

© Getty Images
This pride in her roots has also been passed on to her daughter, Valentina Paloma.

“Do you have more curse words in Spanish?” Kimmel asked. Hayek explained that in her native tongue, it’s simply easier to release anger. “Yes, some of them are delicious,” she joked, referring to Spanish curse words. “They’re so good when you need to let off steam, and they’re longer and more elaborate… You kind of get more time to explode with rage, it’s fantastic,” she added.

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.