When does Hispanic Heritage Month begin and why is it celebrated in the United States?
Hispanic Heritage Month is about to begin in the United States. Find out when it starts, when it ends, and why it is celebrated.
The Hispanic community forms a significant portion of the population in the United States. To recognize it, each year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated, which begins on September 15 and ends on October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968, when the celebration lasted just one week. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill designating the week of September 15 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week.”
It was not until 20 years later that Hispanic Heritage Week became Hispanic Heritage Month, under President Ronald Reagan, beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15. The celebration became official after Public Law 100-402 was enacted on August 17, 1988.
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Why is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated in the United States?
According to the Smithsonian Institution, Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture, giving “further recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.”
This month of celebration also provides an opportunity to explore “the incredible impact that Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations,” notes the Smithsonian.
Why does Hispanic Heritage Month begin on September 15?
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated for 30 days starting on September 15th and the theme in 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Instead of kicking off at the beginning of the month, the start date for the celebration was selected because of its significance for several countries in Latin America,
September 15th commemorates the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, while Chile does so on September 18th.
On the other hand, it is celebrated until mid-October, as it includes another important date: Columbus Day. This day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the shores of the New World on October 12, 1492.