Hispanic Heritage Month started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by legislation sponsored by Rep. George Brown Jr. and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. It was originally observed as a week including September 15 and 16. In 1988, the observance was expanded to a month (September 15 to October 15) by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban Torres and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The month-long celebration has been observed annually since then. The starting date, September 15, is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The month also encompasses the independence days of Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18), as well as Columbus Day (October 12). In summary:
- Began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968
- Expanded to Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988
- Observed from September 15 to October 15 each year
- Start date corresponds with Latin American countries' independence anniversaries
All U.S. Presidents since 1989 have issued proclamations marking Hispanic Heritage Month annually.
