Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2009

The first formal recognition of Hispanic Heritage was made by the United States Congress in 1968. Originally designated as the week of September 15th, the celebration was centered around the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which are celebrated on September 15th, and México, which is celebrated on September 16th.

In 1988, the celebration was extended to 31 days, beginning on September 15th and ending on October 15th. It now includes Chile’s Independence Day (September 18th) and el “Día de la Raza,” or the Latin American celebration of Columbus Day (October 12th).

According to the U.S. Census, people of Latino ancestry can trace their roots to México, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates people of various different races, from more than 20 different nations around the world who share a related cultural and ethnic heritage.

Text and pdf courtesy of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.

Ohio Hispanic Heritage Month Schedule pdf

Michigan Hispanic Heritage Month Schedule pdf