Hispanic Heritage Month 2009: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
Census Bureau News
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to
proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the
week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in
1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates
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 was chosen as 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
The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources
and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error.
Facts for Features are customarily released about two months before an
observance in order to accommodate magazine production timelines. Questions
or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau’s Public Information
Office: telephone: 301-763-3030; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail:
