Hispanic Heritage Month begins today (15th September) in the US, and will end on 15th October. It’s an official celebration of American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Observing Hispanic Heritage Month allows the US to demonstrate recognition and support for the contribution that the Hispanic communities have made – and are continuing to make – to the country’s growth.
Beginning back in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as ‘Hispanic Heritage Week’ under President Lyndon Johnson, but later in 1988 it was extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term. Since then, the month has been celebrated across the US through festivals, art shows, conferences and community gatherings.
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAYS
The month also celebrates ‘Independence Day’ of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (15th September), Mexico (16th September) and Chile (18th September). The month also includes holidays that recognise Hispanic contributions, such as ‘Puerto Rico Friendship Day’ that is celebrated in the US Virgin Islands.
For more information on how the US is paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched the country, click here.
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