In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon
B.
Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The
observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long
celebration
(Sept. 15
–
Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions
of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain,
Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central
America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the
celebration because it is the anniversary of
independence of five Latin American countries: Costa
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In
addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence
days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
