Hispanic Heritage Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Hispanic Heritage Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated on September 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about Hispanic Heritage Month.

📅 What day is Hispanic Heritage Month 2024?

In 2024, Hispanic Heritage Month is on Friday, September 1st. It is the 1st Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about September 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Hispanic Heritage Month was established to honor and highlight the rich history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic-Americans, with a special focus on those whose families migrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This celebration takes place from mid-September to mid-October and involves various festivals and educational activities in different communities. It is a great opportunity to recognize the contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. As a way to mark this occasion, consider exploring the numerous scholarships available specifically for Hispanic students.

📜 Hispanic Heritage Month History

In June 1968, Congressman George E. Brown initiated Hispanic Heritage Month, originally as a one-week celebration. The recognition of Latino achievements gained momentum during the 1960s civil rights movement, as awareness of the diverse multicultural groups in the United States grew. Congressman Brown, representing Latinx and Hispanic-populated communities in the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, aimed to highlight the significant role these communities played in American history. President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which was later expanded to a 30-day commemoration by President Ronald Reagan, running from September 15 to October 15. This became law on August 17, 1988, through the passing of Public Law 100-402. September 15 was chosen as the starting date due to the independence days of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras falling around that time, while Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18 respectively. Additionally, Columbus Day, also known as Dia de la Raza, occurs on October 12th. Hispanic Americans have made vital contributions to the success of the country, playing a significant role in its culture and economy.

✅ Hispanic Heritage Month Facts

🔖 Going strong
Hispanic and Latino Americans make up approximately 17.8% of the total population in the United States, which positions them as the largest ethnic minority group in the country.

🔖 And the winner is…
Oscar Hijuelos, known for his novel “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love,” made history as the inaugural Hispanic writer to receive the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

🔖 A special date
The beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month falls in the middle of the month, and it is a time to commemorate the independence of various Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, alongside others.

👍 Why Is Hispanic Heritage Month Important

Hispanic influences pervade many aspects of American society, including music, gastronomy, art, movies, politics, literature, and much more.

California has the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall, with over 14 million people.

While Hispanic students are learning about their ancestors this month, all children may benefit from studying Spanish history and culture.

🙂 How To Observe Hispanic Heritage Month

⚡ Start learning Spanish

⚡ Plan a fiesta
Organize an amazing food festival where you can celebrate Hispanic culture by sharing captivating stories with your loved ones.

⚡ Involve the kids in fine arts
We all learned something in school, so why not go the distance? Who knows where that will lead you?

📅 When is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Explore all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Hispanic Heritage Month. So be sure to check back soon.