Hispanic Heritage Month had its beginnings in 1968 when Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week to celebrate the culture and traditions of those Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish speaking countries of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
In 1988 the observance was extended to Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15 was chosen as the start of the observance because it is the independence anniversary for five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua). In addition, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
According to 2008 census bureau statistics, the estimated Hispanic population of the United States is 46.9 million people.
Web Sites
- Hispanic Heritage Month Official Web Site
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- Scholastic’s Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Catalog
Search the library's catalog for: Hispanic holidays, Hispanic culture
Databases
Enter Hispanic Heritage in these databases:
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