National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins Across US

National Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, 2026, launching a month of celebrations across the United States honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The annual observance, which runs from September 15 to October 15, features festivals, film screenings, art workshops, and lectures in communities nationwide. The month-long celebration was established to recognize the vast diversity of the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority. According to U.S. Census data, the Hispanic population in the United States reached 70.1 million in 2026, accounting for 21% of the total population. The observance honors people whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The start date of September 15 was chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It also marks the anniversary of El Grito de Dolores, the 1810 call to battle that began Mexico's war for independence from Spain. The celebration has its roots in Hispanic Heritage Week, which was created by Mexican American U.S. Representative Edward R.