There are approximately 68 million Hispanic people living and contributing to society in the United States.
From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the historical and cultural contributions and influence of Hispanic culture to the United States. Most Americans don’t realize National Hispanic Heritage Month is even happening.
In 1968, President Lyndon Johson signed legislation sponsored by Rep. George Brown, Jr. of Los Angeles to create a week to recognize and celebrate the many important contributions of Hispanics.
In 1988. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation to create a month-long celebration. The September 15 – October 15 time period was selected because of its significance. September 16, 1810, is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, marking the start of the Mexican War of Independence which resulted in independence for the New Spain Colony, consisting of what is now Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Also, during this 30-day period, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua each celebrate their independence on September 15, followed by Mexico o September 16. September 18 commemorates Chilean independence and observances of Dia de la Hispanidad, the day Europeans and Native Americans first encountered each other in the Americas or its counter-celebration, Indigenous People’s Resistance Day.
Since 1989. All U.S. presidents have delivered a presidential proclamation to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month.
In 2025, Google Maps announced National Hispanic Heritage Month will no longer be highlighted on its Google Calendar citing the need to scale back because of the prohibitive numbers of cultural celebrations it must manually place on its calendars. Perhaps if they weren’t constantly changing the names of bodies of water and national buildings, they could squeeze it in.
During National Hispanic Heritage month, we honor fallen heroes and still-active Hispanic Americans who served in the armed force. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces for their acts of valor.
The U.S. Navy honors sailors of Hispanic heritage whose military service dates back to the American Civil War. According to recent data from the Department of Defense, Hispanic and Latino personnel make up approximately 19.5% of the total active-duty U.S. military force. While they make up almost 20% of the enlisted ranks, they remain underrepresented in the officer corps.
How can you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
1. Take a salsa dance lesson or get a group of friends together and dance the night away at your favorite club.
2. Learn about Marisol, the Venezuelan American artist who created abstract and surreal sculptures of people out of wood and casts of her own body.
3. Visit the Molino Family Latino Gallery of American History and contribute to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino building fund. Help expand exhibitions and community outreach programs to preserve these artifacts and stories for future generations.
4. The Making History Tour brings the National Museum of the American Latino to communities across the United States Share your Hispanic and Latino heritage with others through #MakeHistoryTogether where people share their stories.
5. Host a movie night featuring popular Hispanic films and TV shows.
6. Learn about Quinceañera traditions and Coming of Age in America.
7. Sample some excellent food from North, Central, and South America. I recommend trying anything with plantains, black beans, or Aji Dulce, a sweet mild chili pepper.
8. Learn about the scientific contributions of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Dr, Severo Ochoa, and Mario Molina.
9. Celebrate the lives of Frida Kahlo, Roberto Clemente, Jerge Ramos, Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayer, Jovita Idár, Dolores Huerta, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
10. Make authentic Hispanic crafts like Guatemalan Worry Dolls (I have one and they are awesome), Papel Picado, mini piñatas, or Mexican tin art.