What to Know About Hispanic Heritage Month, Running Now Through Oct. 15

Mar. 15, 2025

Performer Veronica Freire represents Ecuador in the parade of nations at the annual Hispanic heritage celebration in Kensington, Md., on Sept. 12, 2009.Photo:Mark Gail/The The Washington Post via Getty

Mark Gail/The The Washington Post via Getty

National Hispanic Heritage Month— celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 — is a time to celebrate “the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,“according to the official government website.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rich and diverse month-long observance.

Why Is Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15?

A mariachi singer performs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month before a baseball game in Boston on Sept. 19, 2021.Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated starting on Sept. 15 because it is a day that marks the independence of multiple Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence from Spain on Sept. 15. Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.

Another significant date during Hispanic Heritage Month is Día de la Raza (“Day of the Race”) — also known as Indigenous Peoples Day — which Mexico and other countries observe on Oct. 12.

Which Countries Are Included in the Celebrations?

Los Angeles City Hall lights up in the colors of the Mexican flag during the first night of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15, 2021.David McNew/Getty

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic Heritage Month honors and celebrates those who “trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.”

That means that the month-long celebration includes Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

When Did the U.S. First Start Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month?

Dancers march up Fifth Avenue during the 55th Hispanic Day Parade in N.Y.C. on Oct. 13, 2019.Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty

What Is the 2024 Theme for Hispanic Heritage Month?

Performers march during the 55th Hispanic Day Parade in N.Y.C. on Oct. 13, 2019.Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty

This year, the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.“Per the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program, “The theme encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience and unity that define the Hispanic experience.”

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Children of the musical group Morenada Bolivia USA perform at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16, 2012.Craig Hudson/For The Washington Post via Getty

Hispanic Heritage Month is about learning and celebrating the rich and diverse culture that comes from the many Spanish-speaking countries and territories. Here are a few ideas for celebrating:

source: people.com