This month, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage. However, it is not a traditional month, and instead it spans from September 15th to October 15th.

This recognition began back in 1968, under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. At first it only lasted a week, but it was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The reason this celebratory month commences on the 15th of September is because it marks the anniversary of independence for El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Also within these days of Hispanic Heritage Month are when Mexico remembers its day of independence on the 16th of September and when Chile celebrates theirs on the 18th.

Hispanic populations in the US have increased over the past decade and a half. As of July 1st, 2015, 17.6 percent of the American population were of Hispanic or Latin American descent. This percentage calculates to be about 56.6 million people. Hispanic population has increased four percent since 2000, and gone up by a number of about 21.3 million people. To be Hispanic means that a person’s origin is from a Spanish speaking country, primarily in Latin America, but it also includes Spain. This is an important time for Hispanics in America and Latin America because we as Americans recognize their heritage and celebrate with them the achievements of Latin and Hispanic people.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month  please visit http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/Home_Page.html