Skip to Main Content

Hispanic Heritage Month

This guide contains information and resources in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors originated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America. The observation of this started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

More about National Hispanic American Heritage Month

Making History

Hispanic Cultures in Texas

What's the difference between Hispanic, Latino and Latinx?

Celebrate HISPANIC HERITAGE Month | Google Arts & Culture

Defining Latino: Young People Talk Identity, Belonging | NBC Latino | NBC News

La NASA celebra el mes de la herencia hispana 2020

America Ferrera: My identity is a superpower -- not an obstacle | TED

Online Media

Websites, Articles, and Resources

If you are looking for primary sources based in Texas, click on "Texas" tab to find resources

Resources for education, health and social security.

E-books and Books to Request

October/November: Día de los Muertos Public Ofrenda

When:

Día de los Muertos is officially Nov. 1-2, but we're going to have the ofrenda a little longer: the afternoon of Oct. 31 through Nov. 5.

What:

This is a public memorial to lost loved ones. Send in photos and/or stories you want to share -- we'll take care of printing out copies to display! You're welcome to leave items directly, too, but since this is a public display, don't leave anything you couldn't bear to lose.

Submit a Photo and/or Story

About This Guide

Created by: Blaire Hiebsch

Other contributors: John Powell, Elaine Patton

First published: Sept. 2021