Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Latino Americans in the United States. Unlike other monthly celebrations, Hispanic Heritage Month extends between the months of September and October, from September to October 15.
Why Does Hispanic Heritage Month Begin Mid-Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 to coincide with the independence days of five Central American countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Throughout the rest of the month, the Independence Days of Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18) are also celebrated. Hispanic Heritage Month also encompasses October 12, which is known as el día de la raza or el día del encuentro de dos mundos (Chile) or el día de la hispanidad (españa), a day that commemorates the encounter between Europe and the Americas.
What is the History of Hispanic Heritage Month?
If you are interested in learning more about when Hispanic Heritage Month came to be celebrated in the United States, please enjoy this brief video introduction to the theme featuring the president of Latin American Alliance, Mr. Jaime Zabala: