(Left, Spanish painting from 17th Century)
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 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. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
About This Year's Theme:
On April 18, 2009, the membership of the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (HEPM) voted on the top five themes selected during the national theme voting period from March 19 to April 3. The winning theme was submitted by Jorge Ponce, Director of the Policy and Evaluation Division at the Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. The National Council extends its congratulations and sincere thanks to Mr. Ponce for his participation and contribution of this year's winning theme.
This information comes from the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Visit the website at http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/ for details including calendars of events, videos, stories, etc.
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