Why is Hispanic Heritage Month in September and October?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a national commemoration of the history, culture, and influence of previous generations who immigrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

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.

The fact that September 15 is significant to many Latin American nations is the reason Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15.

The celebration begins in the middle of the month because September 15 marks the independence day of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

It is followed by Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16 and Chile’s Independence Day on September 18.

Another significant date that falls within this 30-day period is Da de la Raza, or Columbus Day, which is observed on October 12.