National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. Since then, HHM has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In his presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Joe Biden wrote:

“I have often said that America can be defined in one word:  possibilities.  The Hispanic community has always embodied that ideal.  It lives in the dreams of those who have only just arrived here and in the legacy of families who have been here for centuries.  Latinos have helped chart America’s course since our start — as doctors and engineers; artists and entrepreneurs; and leaders in science, business, labor, government, and military and across grassroots movements.  Their faith and drive have pushed our country to grow, prosper, and pursue its highest ideals.”

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a video commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and shared how the U.S. Department of Education is raising the bar for an excellent, equitable, and more inclusive education for every Latino student, family and community.

Read FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Latino Communities Across the Country

Check out the Initiative’s Calendar to learn of in-person and virtual events that the Initiative and our federal partners are hosting during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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