Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating History, Culture, and Contributions

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15. It honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

History of the Celebration

The celebration began as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, when Congress passed Public Law 90-498, authorizing the President to proclaim the week including September 15 and 16. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation for the week beginning September 15, 1968.

In 1988, legislation (Public Law 100-402) expanded the observance to a month-long celebration, and 1989 marked the first year that Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) was officially proclaimed by a President, George H. W. Bush.

The start date is significant because it coincides with the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence during this period, on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Demographics & Language

Hispanic Americans make up a growing and vibrant part of the U.S. population:

• The total population of Hispanic origin is approximately 68 million, accounting for 20% of the nation’s population in 2024, up from 16.4% in 2010.

• 1 in 4 children (25.7%) in the United States were of Hispanic origin in 2020, up from 23.1% in 2010.

• The median age of the Hispanic population is 31.2 years in 2024, up from 30.9 in 2023.

• Roughly 13% of people aged 5 and over speak Spanish in the U.S. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the country and the fourth most spoken language worldwide, influencing English with everyday words like patio, canyon, rodeo, plaza, and mosquito.

Economic Contributions

Hispanic Americans also contribute significantly to the U.S. economy:

• In 2022, approximately 8% of U.S. businesses (465,202) were Hispanic-owned.

• Hispanic workers were more likely to be self-employed in 2023 (10.0%) than non-Hispanic workers (9.6%).

Cultural Contributions

Hispanic culture enriches every facet of American life:

• Cuisine: Staples like tacos, tamales, pupusas, ceviche, empanadas, and arepas reflect diverse culinary traditions from Latin America. Hispanic-inspired cuisine is among the fastest-growing restaurant categories in the U.S.

• Sports: Baseball, soccer, and boxing have a huge following, with nearly 30% of Major League Baseball players today of Hispanic or Latino heritage.

• Architecture: Hispanic architects and designers have left a lasting mark, with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture defining cities in California, Texas, and Florida.

• Military Service: Hispanic Americans have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the nation.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse contributions, cultural richness, and enduring influence of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.