Mes de la Herencia Hispana

History

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson, under authorization from Congress, proclaimed a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week.

Subsequently, in 1988, the observance was expanded to a month long celebration from September 15 to October 15. September 15 was chosen as the start of the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries, specifically Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their heritage to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish speaking nations of Central and South America and the Caribbean.