The celebration started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration as Hispanic Heritage Week; however, it was turned into a monthlong celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the United States with 58.9 million people reported in 2017, so it’s important to appreciate their culture and spread love to the people who fill the United States with different forms of art, music and food. 

Independence Days
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15, a day when multiple Hispanic countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence.

On September 16, Mexico gained its independence.

Next is Chile, which celebrates its independence on September 18. Belize celebrates on September 21, and Puerto Rico on September 23.
Food, Dress and Celebrations
A good way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month is to appreciate Hispanic food, dress and to enjoy the celebrations that are put on each year by the Hispanic community. 

The type of dress from each country tends to be more traditional during festivities. Women may dress in colorful embroidered skirts, and men may wear traditional pants and embroidered shirts. 
by Sofía Martinez-M