Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation 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 15 and ending on October 15.

57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. This influence is as varied as their people; from politics to pop-culture, from athletics to cuisine, from commerce to charity, and from literature to the silver screen. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities.

We encourage you to visit Google's Arts and Culture page devoted to the experiences and contributions of Latinos in the United States by clicking here.