Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15 in recognition of the deep history, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Each year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and pay tribute to the many contributions the Latino community has made to our country. The vibrant and active Latino community in America is deeply woven into the diverse fabric of our great city, and we are all stronger for it.
The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 when Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to designate Hispanic Heritage Week the week of September 15 to commemorate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days September 16 and September 18, respectively.
In 1988, the week was expanded to a month-long celebration to honor the cultures and traditions of Americans with heritage tied to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.