Latinx Heritage

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

"About National Hispanic Heritage Month.” National Hispanic Heritage Month, Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities. https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/. October 6, 2021. 

Did You Know?

18.7%

"The Hispanic share of the U.S. population as of April 1, 2020, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s second largest racial or ethnic group. The Hispanic population grew 2.4 percentage points over the decade from 16.3% in 2010."

"The share of U.S. Hispanics with college experience has increased since 2010. About 41% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older had at least some college experience in 2018, up from 36% in 2010. The share who have a bachelor’s degree or more education also increased during this period, from 13% to 17%."

Find more facts and features of the Hispanic population in the United States from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pew Research Center's Fact Tank.