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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiSeptember 15, 2026Miami-Dade County

National Hispanic Heritage Month observations begin across the U.S.

Photo: WSVN 7 News Miami

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15, highlighting the culture, diversity, and contributions of the nation's Hispanic and Latino population. The commemoration grew from an initial week-long observance established by federal legislation in 1968 before expanding to a full month two decades later.

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Why It Matters

Over 70 million ethnically residents, making up one-fifth of the total U.S. population, are recognized during this period, which highlights their historical and cultural contributions to the country.

Key Facts

  • National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place each year from September 15 to October 15.
  • The U.S. census estimates that ethnically Hispanic residents exceed 70 million people, representing one-fifth of the total U.S. population.
  • September 15 marks the anniversary of 'El Grito de Dolores,' the 1810 call to battle in Mexico's war for independence from Spain.
  • Several Central American nations, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras, also celebrate their independence in September.
  • The observance began as Hispanic Heritage Week, created through legislation by Mexican American U.S. Rep. Edward R. Roybal and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
  • President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance from a week to a month two decades after its initial creation.
  • The federal government originally created the term 'Hispanic' to describe people from Spanish-speaking cultures.

Who's Mentioned

PersonAlberto Lammers“Director of communications at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute.”PersonEdward R. Roybal“Mexican American U.S. Representative from Los Angeles who created legislation fo”OrganizationUnited Faculty of Florida AFL-CIO“Union organization where Paul Ortiz previously served as president.”OrganizationCornell University“Academic institution where Paul Ortiz teaches.”OrganizationUCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute“Academic institute providing commentary on community celebrations.”OrganizationJohns Hopkins University“Academic institution where Diego Javier Luis teaches.”PersonDiego Javier Luis“Historian and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University.”PersonRonald Reagan“U.S. President who expanded the observance into a month.”PersonLyndon B. Johnson“U.S. President who signed Hispanic Heritage Week into law in 1968.”PersonPaul Ortiz“Professor of Latina/o labor history at Cornell University and former president o”