The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month honors the many contributions to our country and celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to diverse Spanish-speaking nations. September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and 18th, respectively.

On September 17, 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week including September 15th and 16th. The observance was expanded in 1974 by President Gerald R. Ford’s proclamation for it to begin September 10th through the 16th. Congress again passed another law on August 17, 1988 authorizing President Ronald Reagan to expand the observance to a month-long celebration.


Read the Presidential proclamation on Hispanic Heritage Month 2007.

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