National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15
to October 15 across the United States. It’s a time to recognize and honor the
histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from
Spanish-speaking nations, including Spain and Mexico, as well as countries
throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. Today, the observance
also often honors Latino or Latinx Americans, which encompasses people from
throughout Latin America, regardless of the language spoken.

While today we know it as a month-long celebration, it didn’t start that way — it
originated thanks to decades of advocacy for the recognition of Hispanic and
Latino communities and their contributions to our nation’s history.

The origins of Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1968, Hispanic Heritage Week was first established by President Lyndon B.
Johnson through a congressional resolution. At the time, the week was chosen to
begin on September 15, marking the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The week also encompassed
Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16 and Chile’s Independence Day on
September 18.

In 1988 the week was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan signed
legislation extending the celebration to 30 days, from September 15 to October 15,
allowing for more events, educational programs, and cultural showcases
nationwide. September 15 is significant because it’s the anniversary of
independence for five Latin American countries. The surrounding weeks capture
other key independence anniversaries, making the period a natural time for
celebration across multiple nations and cultures.

Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing contributions in arts, music,
politics, science, sports, business, military service, and community leadership. It’s
also an opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino
Americans throughout history and how their perseverance has shaped the U.S.