MCCC's Hispanic Affairs Council is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! We want to take a moment to recognize the rich culture and economic strength this audience provides the county, state and nation. But first, what is Hispanic Heritage Month?
In September 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Week was established to recognize the culture and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. Just two decades later, lawmakers
expanded the observance to a month long celebration, stretching from Sep 15 to Oct 15.
The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month always starts on Sep 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The timing is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
