Here's The History Of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Held Sept. 15-Oct. 15 This Year

Press release from the Los Angeles County Library:

History of National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the culture, contributions, and heritage of Hispanic Americans. Now observed annually from September 15 to October 15, this national observance was first established by Public Law 90-498, approved September 17, 1968 by the 90th Congress. Public Law 90-468 authorized the president to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week each year. On August 17, 1988, the 100th Congress enacted Public Law 100-402, which extended the observance from a week to a month.

The months of September and October cover a wide range of independence days for Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21. El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12.

This press release was produced by the Los Angeles County Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.