National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15^th and lasts until October 15^th each year. It’s a time when we recognize the Hispanic community and celebrate all of the different Hispanic nationalities. It consists of people with backgrounds from Spain, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Hispanics that live in other countries.

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson decided to recognize a week in September as National Hispanic Week. This was soon extended in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan signed a bill which lengthened the week to a month. This is the reason why the month is split up into two months. It has since been acknowledged as Hispanic Heritage Month. The reason for this month is to recognize the large number of Hispanic communities that reside in the U.S.

There are many ways in which Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized. It is meant to display the culture of all of the Hispanics in the U.S. Some people acknowledge the month by cooking ethnic foods that are related to Hispanic culture. It is also a time in which people listen to Hispanic music. People may dress according to their nationality/religious beliefs. Many businesses acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month by selling merchandise that is related to the month.

Hispanic Heritage Month is not something that is acknowledged enough. Many people don’t know about it. This includes Hispanics themselves. It’s not just a time to celebrate Hispanic culture, but a time to remind ourselves of who we are and where we come from. It’s a wonderful opportunity for reflection and learning.