Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

1st Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  Many Hispanic Americans trace their roots to the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas — including the Arawaks (Puerto Rico), the Aztecs (Mexico), the Incas (South America), the Maya (Central America), and the Tainos (in Cuba, Puerto Rico and other places). Some trace their roots to the Spanish explorers. Other Latinos trace their roots to the Africans who were brought as slaves to the Americas.  For purposes of the U.S. Census, Hispanic Americans today are identified according to the parts of the world that they or their ancestors came from, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, or the nations of Central or South America.

The observation of Hispanic heritage 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 15th and ending on October 15th.  It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.  Each year the President of the United States issues a proclamation.  To view the 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation in Spanish  CLICK HERE.