Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the history, culture, and civic contributions of Americans with heritage from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It began as a “Hispanic Heritage Week”’ in 1968, then was expanded to a month-long observance in 1988. This period shines a spotlight on American Latino communities and its first day coincides with the independence days of several, including the following:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Mexico (September 16)
- Chile (September 18)