Why does hispanic heritage start on september 15

The answer is thanks to a nod the United States makes to the numerous independence anniversaries that several Latin American countries celebrate on the eve of Sept. Mexico also celebrates its independence on Sept. The tradition, which began in when President Lyndon B.

In addition to a program that extends to different spheres of North American society, where homage is paid to the diverse cultural expressions of Latino communities and the value they add to the cultural fabric of the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month also reminds us of the value the group contributed to the construction of the nation.

To give it the historical and cultural relevance it deserves, the Smithsonian, among other museums, have created dynamics through their virtual platforms that invite users, Hispanic or non-Hispanic, to discover the origins of the community in the United States and recognize the stories of those Latino patriots who have been part of the creation of the most powerful country in the world.

Hispanic population reached In , Hispanics made up nearly one-in-five people in the U. For more information: click here. Skip to main content. National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. National Hispanic Heritage Month — celebrated from September 15 to October 15 — is a time to celebrate "the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America," according to the official government website.

Here's everything you need to know about the rich and diverse month-long observance. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated starting on September 15 because it is a day that marks the independence of multiple Latin American countries. Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16 and Chile on September According to the U. California Congressman George E. Brown was the first to propose the idea to Congress in In September , President Lyndon B.

Johnson declared the observance of Hispanic Heritage Week, which was consequently lengthened to a month by President Ronald Reagan in August Observing Hispanic Heritage Month. There are lots of ways to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month, whether it's engaging with books, films, documentaries -- suggestions from Cadava include PBS' documentary series on Latino America or the podcast "Latino USA" -- or live programming related to Hispanics and Latinos and their history in the United States.

What the census results tell us about the future US electorate. Alternatively, museums like the Smithsonian have events and online learning resources for families to use as guided learning on Latinos and their communities, including profiles of Latino patriots in military history.

People can also visit local museums, she said, that have Latino content and collections. Or you can just speak with people in your neighborhood, Key said. Learn about who they are and why they are in the neighborhoods they're in, and discover that we probably share more in common than we think.

They were forced to repeat first grade three times in the s. Soon, Texas students might not even know about them.

It's important to note, experts said, that you can recognize and acknowledge that heritage at all times of the year, outside of the day period between September 15 and October Hispanic Heritage Month is a "month of introduction" or an "entry point," Key said, to learn more about your neighbors, classmates and colleagues and their heritage.