Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15, 2021
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of people with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, The Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The month is a designated time of year to acknowledge the contributions Hispanic and Latinx people have made to the United States.
The month begins September 15, marking the day several Latin American countries, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras declared independence from Spain. The independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively. October 12 is Dia de la Raza, a day many Spanish speaking cultures recognize as a day to celebrate the indigenous people of Latin America, and their diverse cultures and traditions.
Observing Hispanic Heritage began in the United States during 1968 as a week. The week was expanded to a month in 1988 and signed into law in August 1988. There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, for opportunities to explore visit the links below.
General Information & Resources
- National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Selected resources for teachers
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Neighborhoods, Museums and Art Centers
- The National Museum of Mexican Art - Chicago, Illinois
- The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture - Chicago, Illinois
- Museum of Latin American Art – Long Beach, California
- Latino Center at the Smithsonian – Washington, D.C.
- Explore Latino heritage in Chicago’s neighborhoods
Book Lists from local libraries