September 15 – October 15th is the period of time in the U.S to honor the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanics and Latin Americans who live or have lived in what is now the United States of America. We celebrate the history of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968, but only as a week under the 36th president, Lyndon Johnson. Ronald Regan in 1988 expanded it to a whole month starting September 15 and ending October 15th. September 15th is notable since it is the independence day for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Adding on, September 16th and 18th are days of independence for countries like Mexico and Chile. These all fall under this 30-day period. It was put into law on August 17, 1988 and since then all Presidents have given a Presidential Proclamation to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.

To celebrate, there are annual festivals held all over America. Some include, The El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival in The Bronx, New York City, The Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and The Hispanic Family Festival at Springdale Park in Springdale, Holyoke, Massachusetts. These festivals provide educational and entertaining events such as arts and crafts, soccer tournaments, children’s areas, a parade of nations, dance contests, vendors, and live entertainment.