Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to U.S. society and culture. The observance was born in 1968, when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in many ways this year.
- Read a Proclamation from President Biden here
- The U.S. Department of State recognizes the contributions of its staff by highlighting their achievements. Read more here
- Here’s a link to scholarships available to Hispanic students
- Here are some facts from the U.S. Census Bureau
- Here’s a listing of events from the Library of Congress
- More ways to celebrate throughout the country here
