Hispanic Heritage Month Begins | MRFF Board Member John Compere gives us the history of this month-long celebration of the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and achievements

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to our nation’s history, culture and achievements. It is a time to celebrate the heritage, history, traditions and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain, Mexico and 18 other countries and territories. It includes a month long celebration of Hispanic and Latino food, art, music and dance. 

It began as a week long celebration in September by legislation signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. It was expanded to a month beginning in September by legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time when our military traditionally hon ors its fallen, retired and active duty Hispanic Americans who served and are serving in the US Armed Forces. 61 people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

September 15 was selected as the starting date because it coincides with the start of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1810 which resulted in independence in 1821 for Mexico and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua. It also coincides with the independence celebration dates of these countries.

Hispanic Heritage has been officially recognized and celebrated in the United States for more than 50 years. It is important because it provides an opportunity to commemorate the integral part the Hispanic community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy. The Hispanic population in the United States is approximately 68 million and represents more than 20% of the population. It is our largest ethnic group. Hispanics number 13 million and comprise over 40% of the population in Texas.

The 2026 theme is “TOGETHER WE ARE MORE – UNIDOS, SOMOS MAS”  celebrating family, resilience, creativity, faith, and service honoring the diverse stories that strengthen our nation, investing in the future, building a stronger America for all. There will be festivals, parades, music concerts, dances, art exhibits, food fests and similar activities held in communities throughout the country to commemorate this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic and Latino are the traditional terms to describe Americans with Spanish, Latin American or Caribbean ancestry. “Hispanic” refers to Spanish ancestry or the Spanish language while “Latino” refers to Latin American or Caribbean ancestry. These terms are used interchangeably. 

It is historically noteworthy that the Latino presence in America predates the early Spanish colonization and spans centuries. Also, after the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico which incorporated the people of these areas into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic/Latino Americans.

It is also important to note that America’s Hispanic Heritage Month is followed by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican national holiday, celebrated October 31 – November 2. It is an indigenous tradition originating in Mexico several thousand years ago representing the ancient belief that the spirits of deceased family and friends return for a visit when welcomed. It is celebrated by Hispanic/Latino communities throughout the United States. Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, in mid-October, coincidentally fall within this 30 day period.

John Compere
Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)
Disabled American Veteran (Vietnam Era)
Board Member, Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Texas rancher