- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- HistoricalSpanish
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every September 15 through October 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌎
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed every September 15 through October 15, spotlights the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Take time to learn about the diverse traditions, celebrate achievements, and support Hispanic communities and businesses.
Want to sponsor Hispanic Heritage Month? Learn how
Expected Hispanic Heritage Month Deals
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, many brands and organizations honor the community through special events, promotions, and philanthropic initiatives. Expect retailers like Target and Walmart to feature products from Hispanic-owned businesses and cultural collections. Restaurants such as Chipotle and Taco Bell often offer limited-time menu items or donate a portion of sales to relevant causes. Cultural institutions and museums may host free or discounted admission days, while brands like Goya Foods and Badia Spices highlight traditional recipes and ingredients. Financial institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo often launch educational programs or support Hispanic business grants. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Hispanic Heritage Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HispanicHeritageMonth. Share vibrant photos and reels celebrating Hispanic culture, food, and traditions.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HispanicHeritageMonth. Highlight professional achievements and leadership within the Hispanic community.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HispanicHeritageMonth. Share community events, educational resources, and personal stories of heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month Hero
Sonia Sotomayor
History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by appreciating the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.
Hispanic Heritage Month originally started with one week of commemoration when it was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown in June 1968. With the civil rights movement, the need to recognize the contributions of the Latin community gained traction in the 1960s. Awareness of the multicultural groups living in the United States was also gradually growing.
Two heavily Latinx and Hispanic populated areas, the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, were represented by Brown. His aim was to recognize the integral roles of these communities in American history. Observation of Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later extended to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law via approval of Public Law 100-402 on August 17, 1988.
September 15 is set as the starting date for the month as it is important for many reasons. It is the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. From here onwards, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Dia de la Raza or Columbus Day also falls within this month, on October 12.
Hispanic population have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions to the nation are immeasurable, and they embody the best of American values. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy.
Hispanic Heritage Month timeline
The Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez, joins General George Washington's fight against British soldiers and helps win independence.
Texas joins the Union as the 28th state — Mexico had controlled the territory until 1836 when Texas won its independence.
Over 300,000 Latinos enlist in the American military and fight in World War II.
The push to recognize the Latinx community gains momentum when the civil rights movement is at its peak.
California Congressman George E. Brown introduces Hispanic Heritage Week.
Hispanic Heritage Week is first observed under President Lyndon B. Johnson but it is Ronald Reagan who extends it to a month-long celebration.
The Hispanic population of the United States totals 60.6 million people, making it the largest ethnic minority.
The U.S. Department of State highlights biographies of outstanding Hispanic employees who support diplomatic efforts around the world.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Local businesses can authentically celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting cultural events, featuring Hispanic artists or performers, and showcasing products from Hispanic-owned suppliers. Restaurants can offer special menus highlighting diverse Latin American cuisines, while retailers can create dedicated displays. Consider partnering with local Hispanic community organizations for joint initiatives or donation drives.
Traditions of the Day
National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the culture and contributions of both Latino and Hispanic Americans. The history and accomplishments of these groups in the shaping of the country are celebrated.
The month is celebrated in a plethora of ways. As several other celebratory holidays fall during this month — such as the independence days of several Latin American countries — concerts, parades, food fairs, and more are organized throughout. Educational events like art exhibitions take place as well, highlighting important Latino heroes in history.
The U.S. government honors the immeasurable contributions of Hispanic Americans to our economy, culture, and society.
Hispanic Heritage Month FAQs
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 runs from Tuesday, September 15, through Thursday, October 15, offering a full month to celebrate Hispanic cultures.
How many people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by over 63.7 million Hispanic Americans in the U.S., representing nearly one-fifth of the nation’s population, alongside many non-Hispanic allies.
What is the significance of September 15 for Hispanic Heritage Month?
September 15 is significant as it marks the independence day for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This date serves as a powerful anchor for the month’s celebrations.
What countries are included in Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes individuals whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It encompasses a vast array of nations and cultural identities.
How to Observe Hispanic Heritage Month
Plan a fiesta
Plan a fiesta with tasty food! Share stories about Hispanic culture with your friends and family.
Involve the kids in fine arts
Light up young minds by educating them about Hispanic arts. Frida Kahlo’s paintings are a good start!
Start learning Spanish
We all learned a little bit in school, so why not go all the way! Who knows where that might take you?
5 Hispanic Heritage Highlights
A special date
Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of the month to correspond with the independence of many countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
Going strong
Hispanic and Latino Americans amount to an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population, making up the largest ethnic minority.
And the winner is...
Oscar Hijuelos, author of "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love," was the first Hispanic writer to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
English proficiency
The Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is increasing.
Difference of opinion
Unlike the U.S., chicken tacos are not popular in Mexico. There, they prefer to fill their tacos with steak, chicharron, and chorizo.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month is Important
Strong impact on America
Hispanic influences are tightly woven into the fabric of American life — think music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, and so much more.
Around one-fifth of the U.S. population is Hispanic
The state with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million.
Our kids benefit from it
While Hispanic children learn about their roots this month, all kids can benefit from learning about Spanish history and culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 15 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 15 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 15 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Hispanic Heritage Month
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