History of the Celebration

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The celebration started in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 1988 to cover a month-long period from September 15 through October 15. The month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 by the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The celebration begins on September 15 because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their own independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Each year the President is authorized to issue a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, as "National Hispanic Heritage Month."

Click on a country name in the second paragraph for more information about the country.

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