National Hispanic Heritage Month

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Madeleine Nordmann

Did you know that September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month? 

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will all join in on paying a tribute to American citizens whose ancestors came from  Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Almost 17% of the U.S population is made up of people with a Hispanic background. 

History

The month starts on the 15th of September because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th. According to https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/, “The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover 30 days 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.” 

Ways to Celebrate

Many communities and organizations celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in numerous ways. A few ways that you can celebrate are by participating in a festival, or studying Hispanic culture and history!