Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 – Oct. 15
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, Congress expanded the observance to a month long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) of the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 is the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Locally, former Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Minneapolis City Council approved a resolution in September 2012 honoring the invaluable contributions of the Latino community in Minneapolis. As part of this resolution the City Council recognized then President Obama’s “National Hispanic Heritage Month” and declared Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 as Latino Heritage Month in Minneapolis.
For more information on Hispanic Heritage month please go to: www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-