National Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens who have come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, falls within this 30-day period.
In the Diocese of Palm Beach, we are blessed to have 29 Parishes and Missions with an active Hispanic community. Each one of them contributes in many ways to the mission of our Diocesan Church as the theme of our 2022-2030 Hispanic Pastoral Plan stated, “We are all Church, let’s all evangelize!”
¡Feliz mes de la herencia hispana!
