National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens who trace their ancestry to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America. The first formal recognition of Hispanic Heritage was made by Congress in 1968. Each year, we observe and celebrate with our Hispanic neighbors.  Both the AFT and NEA websites have a collection of resources to help teachers and ESPs celebrate the month with their students and highlight some of the many significant contributions Hispanics have made to our country. You will also find additional links to more classroom information below.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 million people living in the United States are of Hispanic origin. That's about 14 percent of us! It is essential that all students learn to understand the ethnic diversity that is our country.

September 15, which is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. 

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15).

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census.