Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was later expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The dates of September 15 to October 15 were chosen for Hispanic Heritage Month because they coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, Mexico on September 16, and Chile on September 18. Additionally, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is celebrated on October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, various organizations and institutions, such as the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched the nation and society. The month is celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and other events that highlight the diverse cultures and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
