Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage month honors the history, cultural diversity and unique contributions of individuals and communities whose ancestry can be traced back to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain.

Dates:  September 15 to October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month begins in mid-September because several Latin American Countries celebrate their independence days starting on September 15 (Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua) and Dia de la Raza falls on October 12.  The Hispanic Heritage Month is split between two months to coincide with the independence days of the countries of  Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, and Belize. All of which declared their independence between September 15 and October 15. 

Hispanic and Latinx are the most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American ancestry and are often used interchangeably. Latinos have been in the Americas and United States for centuries and have been an influence in the Caribbean, Southeastern and Southwestern United States.  Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions to the history and culture of the United States.

Observing Hispanic heritage began in 1968 under President Johnson and later expanded to a 30-day period by President Reagan in 1988.  Celebrations include featuring the arts, speaking events, highlighting historical struggles like segregation and discrimination, and contributions to the United States. 

Sources:

• Hispanic Heritage Month | National Museum of the American Latino (si.edu)
• National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2023 (hispanicheritagemonth.gov)
• Yes, We're Calling It Hispanic Heritage Month And We Know It Makes Some Of You Cringe : NPR

 

This page was last updated on: January 2, 2025.