What is Hispanic Heritage Month and why do we celebrate it?

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15.

It is a national celebration commemorating the history, culture, and influence of previous generations who immigrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

For more than 40 years, Hispanic Heritage Month has been a major celebration in the United States. This month, Americans across the country celebrate with pride and joy, remembering the value of diversity.

The celebration began in 1968, during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration, as a one-week celebration known as Hispanic Heritage Week.

Years later, President Ronald Reagan proposed expanding the celebration to last a month. It was signed into law on August 17, 1988, officially designating September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

People use this holiday to demonstrate the importance of Hispanics in the United States by donating to Hispanic charities, eating food from any of the countries being honored, learning about their cultures, and honoring influential Hispanics who have made an impact on society.