National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins Across the U.S.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honors the cultural diversity and contributions of Latinos in the U.S. The month-long observance began as a week in 1968 and was expanded to 30 days in 1988. It starts on September 15 to coincide with the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries and Mexico's independence day. The U.S. Hispanic population, over 70 million, is the largest racial or ethnic minority, representing around 20% of the total population. The month provides an opportunity for people to learn about Hispanic cultures and celebrate the community's achievements.