GOV
About 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 whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and 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 or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
Local Information
The Hispanic/Latino population in St. Louis has risen 40% in the past ten years. A 2021 St. Louis Public Radio piece attributes this to the region's growing professional and educational opportunities, and the local support available for entrepreneurs.
Read about the history of the Latino population in St. Louis.
Local Links
Hispanic Festival St. Louis
A group of volunteers who coordinate Hispanic festivals and presentations throughout the St. Louis area and whose purpose is to unite all Hispanics regardless of their social, economical and political background.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
HCCSTL's mission is to improve business opportunities for Hispanic firms and professionals thereby improving the economic development of the St. Louis region.
St. Louis organization unveils Hispanic Heritage Flag
The Hispanic Festival, Inc. unveiled the creation of the Hispanic Heritage Flag for the first time to local Hispanic community members at the Missouri History Museum. (August 2023)
The St. Louis region is already home for many Latinos and more are moving here
Their population grew nearly 50% in the past decade across the 14-county St. Louis region defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, adding about 35,000 people to eclipse 100,000. (from 2021)
10 things you should know about Mexican history in St. Louis
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Louis County historian Daniel Gonzales shares his findings on the history of our local Latino community. (from 2017)
Events
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No events available.
Resources
Hispanic Heritage Month at National Archives
View related records on the Hispanic/Latino Heritage resource page and in the Archives Catalog at the National Archives
National Hispanic Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
