09/16/2026
Beginning on Sept. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and lasting contributions of Hispanic Americans across the United States.
The mid-month start is intentional: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. The observance began as a week in 1968 and expanded to a month in 1988. Today, 70.1 million Hispanic people live in the U.S., making up 21% of the population.
Influence is woven through American food, music, art, business, sports, science and countless family traditions across the country.