San Luis Obispo
Hispanic
Heritage
MOnth
ABOUT the Month
This month-long celebration began in 1968 when Congress requested President Lyndon B. Johnson to announce the week of September 15 and 16 to be National Hispanic Week. Allowing for the opportunity to hold celebratory and educational events around the nation about the Hispanic community and their contributions to the United States. By including these specific dates, Congress’ request allowed for the federal celebration of numerous independence anniversaries for Latin American countries. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Then in 1988, the week expanded into a month, designating September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, further celebrating more independence anniversaries.​