Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the many accomplishments, contributions, diverse cultures, and history of Hispanic Americans. This is celebrated annually September 15th to October 15th.



Below are some facts you may not have known about this celebratory period.

1. This observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week

2. It was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period

3. This was enacted into law August 17th, 1988

4. Many Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day on September 15th, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

5. Mexico celebrates their freedom from Spain on September 16th, Día de la Independencia. It's one of Mexico's most important holidays and is commonly referred to as "El Grito" or "Grito de Dolores," a tribute to the battle cry that launched a rebellion in 1810.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a parish priest in Dolores, Guanajuato and wanted to restore rights to all Mexicans. He helped organize people to revolt against the Spaniards on the night of September 15th. The next day, on September 16th, he rang a church bell in Dolores to announce a revolution for freedom, and the war against Spain was declared. 

Father Hidalgo's battle cry was dubbed "El Grito de Dolores."

6. Chili celebrates their Independence Day September 18th

7. This 30-day period is often celebrated in the United States with festivals, community gatherings, art exhibits, and more

Did you know? The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, The Mexican Music Archive, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Museum, all join in paying tribute to the achievements of Hispanic Americans who have influenced and contributed to the enrichment of the United States.