What is National Hispanic Heritage Month? Plus, 10 ways to celebrate
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept 15–Oct 15. Learn the history behind it, why it matters, and 10 ways to honor and celebrate it with care and intention.
National Hispanic Heritage Month—observed from September 15 to October 15—shines a spotlight on the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. It’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and tradition, and an invitation to honor the past while embracing the vibrant ways Hispanic heritage continues to shape the present.
But why does it start mid-month, and why does it matter so deeply?
Here’s everything you need to know about the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month and how it’s evolved over the years. We’ll also offer some meaningful ideas about how to celebrate, whether you’re honoring your own heritage or showing support as an ally.
What (and when) is National Hispanic Heritage Month?
In the U.S., National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic), Central America, and South America. While the observance officially highlights Hispanic heritage, it’s often celebrated more broadly to honor Latino Americans as well.
Observed every year from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors a rich cultural legacy — one that encompasses diverse identities and traditions, and reflects the language, music, and innovation that continue to shape American society today.
What is the history behind National Hispanic Heritage Month?
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Week, beginning on Sept. 15. That day is significant, as it’s the independence day for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, and Chile’s is observed on September 18.
Recognizing the need for deeper recognition and visibility, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law to extend the week into a month-long observance. Since then, the month has grown to include a wide range of celebrations, educational events, and cultural programming. It’s also become a time to reflect on the systemic barriers Hispanic and Latino communities continue to face and to advocate for systemic change.
Why does National Hispanic Heritage Month matter?
National Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honor the complex and layered stories of more than 65 million people in the United States who identify as Hispanic or Latino. It’s a time to recognize that these identities are beautifully diverse and rooted in different countries, cultures, and lived experiences.
For decades, Hispanic and Latino communities have helped shape the fabric of American life. Their contributions to labor movements, civil rights, scientific breakthroughs, culinary traditions, and groundbreaking art are deeply ingrained in the country’s past and present. National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as an important reminder to celebrate joy, pride, and cultural connection.
This month also matters because it serves as a formal, public reminder to challenge the gaps in our history books and amplify the voices that are too often left out of narratives. It’s a moment for deeper reflection on immigration, identity, language, resilience, and belonging, particularly in divisive political times.
How to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month: 9 ways to celebrate
There are plenty of ways to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month and the beauty and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities. Here are nine thoughtful ways to celebrate during this month — and every day.
1. Attend a local event or celebration
Cities, schools, libraries, and cultural organizations frequently host National Hispanic Heritage Month events, including parades, art exhibitions, food festivals, film screenings, and live performances.
Check your local community calendar, museum, or public library listings. If you’re not sure where to start, try searching “[Your City] National Hispanic Heritage Month events” or local cultural centers.
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2. Support Hispanic-owned businesses
Take the time to seek out and patronize Hispanic businesses, such as restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, artists, tech startups, and even your local farmers’ market. Economic support is powerful.
To help you find some of these businesses, use directories like WeAllGrow Latina, Shop Latinx, or local Hispanic chambers of commerce to find businesses in your area or online.
3. Read books by Hispanic and Latino authors
Explore fiction, poetry, memoirs, and nonfiction written by Hispanic and Latino authors, prioritizing stories that reflect a range of experiences like joy, love, injustice, and resilience. You may even consider hosting a mini book club to mark the month.
4. Cook or share traditional foods
Food is one of the most accessible ways to experience culture. Try a new recipe—maybe pupusas from El Salvador or ropa vieja from Cuba—or order from a Latino-owned restaurant.
5. Listen to music across cultures and genres
From salsa, merengue, and bachata to reggaeton, boleros, mariachi, and Latin jazz, there’s a deep well of musical traditions and modern sounds to explore.
You could also curate a playlist with artists from different countries and decades, or explore genres you’re less familiar with.
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6. Engage with films and documentaries
Watch movies or series centered around Hispanic and Latino characters. This is a great way to learn about history, identity, and daily life across cultures.
There are countless options, but a few include “Encanto,” “The 33,” “Selena,” and “In the Heights.”
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7. Celebrate and share stories within your own family or friend group
If you’re part of the Hispanic community, consider taking this month to share family stories, photos, or recipes. If you’re not, make an effort to invite conversations with the people in your life who are. Just be mindful not to center yourself or expect others to educate you. Your goal should be to listen first.
Related read: 30 good questions to ask to get to know someone more deeply
8. Uplift Hispanic voices online
Representation matters, and digital visibility plays a crucial role in that. Follow and share work from Hispanic creators, artists, writers, educators, journalists, and activists.
Also consider diversifying your social media feeds. Look for Hispanic and Latino creators and educators and engage with their work. Remember to always give credit where it’s due.
9. Reflect on your own role
Celebrating a culture also means thinking critically. If you’re non-Hispanic, ask yourself: How do I show up for these communities year-round? Where can I be more inclusive?
Being an ally means consistently showing up with curiosity and care.
Related read: The power of self-reflection: 20 questions to help you reflect
National Hispanic Heritage Month FAQs
What is the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month began as a commemorative week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was intentionally timed to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, and 20 years later, Congress passed legislation to expand the celebration to a full month.
President Ronald Reagan then signed it into law, and the first official month-long celebration began in 1989 under President George H. W. Bush. Over time, this month has grown into a nationally recognized opportunity to celebrate the contributions, cultures, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities across the U.S.
What activities can I do to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, you can read books by Hispanic and Latino authors, cook or order traditional dishes, watch a documentary about Hispanic and Latino history, or support Hispanic-owned businesses.
You could also take time to listen to music, share family stories, or donate to a Latino-led organization. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to approach it with curiosity, respect, and intention.
Why does National Hispanic Heritage Month start in the middle of the month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, as that date marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile celebrates its independence on September 18. Starting the month in mid-September allows the celebration to include these meaningful historical dates while also creating space for a full 30-day recognition of these cultures.
Is it okay to celebrate if I’m not Hispanic?
It is okay to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month if you’re not Hispanic. Celebrating as a non-Hispanic person can be meaningful when done with care and cultural sensitivity. However, as a general rule, focus on learning and supporting others rather than appropriating or centering yourself.
You don’t need to have lived experience to engage in thoughtful celebration. All you need is a willingness to listen, reflect, and show up in ways that honor the purpose of the month.
Are there certain events that happen during National Hispanic Heritage Month?
Many communities organize events specifically for National Hispanic Heritage Month, including parades, art exhibits, speaker panels, cooking classes, and musical performances. Teachers often incorporate it into their lesson plans, while museums and cultural institutions may host special exhibitions or highlight Hispanic artists and activists.
Some organizations also use this month to highlight Hispanic contributions to science, public service, literature, and other fields. You can find both in-person and virtual events, depending on your location.
A mindful note about the use of the words “Latino” and “Hispanic”:
National Hispanic Heritage Month was originally created to celebrate Americans with roots in Spanish-speaking countries, but over time, many groups expanded its scope to include people with heritage from any Latin American country. In fact, the official National Hispanic Heritage Month website features a section from the National Park Service that reads: “National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.”
In addition, we've used "Hispanic" and "Latino" in this article to align with official observance language, but we acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of identities, including Latina and Latinx, across these communities.
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