AP
FILE - Members of the Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico pose for photo prior to joining in the Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15 to honor the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. It began in 1968 as a week and later grew into a full month in 1988. The dates were chosen because many Latin American countries, like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, celebrate their independence in September.
Schools and communities celebrate with music, food, art, and stories from Hispanic culture. From delicious dishes like tamales to famous figures like astronaut Ellen Ochoa, baseball legend Roberto Clemente, and singer Selena Quintanilla, Hispanic Americans have made a lasting impact. This month is a time to celebrate and learn about the cultures that help shape our country today.