Hispanic Heritage Month initially began as a weeklong celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson.  In 1988 President Ronald Reagan extended the week to a full 31 days — through Oct. 15 — keeping the Sept. 15 start date because it coincides with national independence day of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Mexico celebrates independence on the 16th, Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st. 

Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

Find out more about Hispanic Heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Take LWV ABC's 2022 Hispanic American Heritage Month Quiz 
• National Park Service Hispanic Heritage Month Webpage
• 60 Second Civics Hispanic Heritage Month Playlist