Huge celebrations across the United States are expected to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual tradition that highlights the rich diversity and vibrant culture of Hispanic communities.
Observed each year from September 15 to October 15, this month-long event provides an opportunity for Americans to learn about and honor the contributions of Hispanics, the nation’s fastest-growing ethnic minority, according to census data. This group includes descendants from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
According to the latest census estimates, over 65 million people in the U.S. identify as ethnically Hispanic.
Before evolving into a month-long celebration, Hispanic Heritage Week was established through legislation spearheaded by Mexican American U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and signed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Two decades later, the commemoration was extended to a full month, with legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan.
“It was clustered around big celebrations for the community,” noted Alberto Lammers, director of communications at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute. “It became a chance for people to know Hispanic cultures, for Latinos to get to know a community better and for the American public to understand a little better the long history of Latinos in the U.S.”
Rachel Gonzalez-Martin, an associate professor of Mexican American and Latino Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, pointed out that the month serves as a platform for Hispanics to display their rich diversity and culture with governmental support.
September 15 was chosen as the kickoff date to align with the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores,” or the “Cry of Dolores,” which was a call for Mexican independence from Spain in 1810. The date also coincides with the independence days of several Central American countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Mexico celebrates its national day on September 16, the day following the “Cry of Dolores.”
Additionally, Chile observes its independence day on September 18 during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Indigenous Peoples’ Day, previously known as Columbus Day, is celebrated in the U.S. on the second Monday of October.
Over the past decade, the significance of the month has grown, in part due to the expanding Latino consumer base in the U.S., Gonzalez-Martin explained. Federal government support, including celebrations at the White House, has also facilitated Hispanic celebrations.
“Hispanic Heritage Month was a way in which to be Hispanic and Latino but with official blessing,” Gonzalez-Martin observed. “It was a recognition of belonging and that became really powerful.”
Alberto Lammers emphasized that the four-week span honors the enduring impact of Hispanic populations on the U.S., both historically and currently. “It gives us a chance to acknowledge how Latinos have been part of this nation for so many centuries,” he said. “I think that’s what is great about this. It has allowed us to really dig deeper and a chance to tell our stories.”
While “Hispanic” is a federal term for people from Spanish-speaking cultures, not everyone embraces the label. Some associate it with political conservatism or emphasis on a connection to Spain. Alternatives like “Latino” or “Latinx” often reflect ties to Latin America. Celebrations may thus be referred to as Latinx or Latin Heritage Month.
Individuals from Latin American countries have diverse identifiers based on personal preference, such as Chicano for some Mexican Americans or nationality-based terms like Colombian American or Salvadoran American. Each culture brings unique contributions in music, food, and art.
Throughout the month, various festivities from coast to coast celebrate this cultural richness. These include traditional Latin foods and entertainment such as mariachi bands, folklórico, and salsa lessons, showcasing the cultures of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and other Latin nations.
Highlights include a quinceañera fashion show in Dallas on September 14, the New York Latino Film Festival from September 17-22, and the Viva Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 28-29. Additionally, Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian will host a series of events to elevate Hispanic heritage, including a tribute to the life of Celia Cruz and exhibits showcasing Mexican art.
