Each year, from September 15 to October 15, millions of Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. With its roots going back to 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the observance was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Over the 30-day period, the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America are celebrated.

2. Each year, from
September 15 to October
15, millions of Americans
observe National
Hispanic Heritage Month.
With its roots going back
to 1968 as Hispanic
Heritage Week, the
observance was
expanded to National
Hispanic Heritage Month
in 1988 by President
Ronald Reagan.

3. Over the 30-day period, the histories, cultures and
contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came
from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South
America are celebrated.
The start date of September 15 is significant as it relates to the
anniversary of independence of 5 Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico, Chile
and Belize also mark their independence days during this 30-day span.

4. For those wishing to participate in the festive
celebrations, we’ve included a few places and
things to do below:

5. Mexican Independence Day Celebration
(Sept. 12-13, 2015)
The festivities during this two-day
celebration of Mexico’s independence
from Spain – taking place at El Pueblo
de Los Angeles Historical Monument
from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday
and Sunday – include popular and
traditional entertainment, cultural
activities, historic displays, food,
artisan exhibits and more. (El Pueblo
Historical Monument – 125 Paseo de
la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012).

6. Fiesta Dancers (Sept. 26, 2015)
Traditional, beautifully costumed
performers will entertain with
Spanish, Mexican and Caribbean
dances and will teach the
audience how to perform their
own dance. A free event, it takes
place at the Mark Taper
Auditorium of the Central Library
in Downtown L.A. from 2 p.m. to 3
p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. (Los
Angeles Central Public Library –
630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles, CA
90071).

7. Latinos in Hollywood (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2015)
A special photo exhibition at Plaza de la Raza – featuring famous
Latinos, both past and present, and their accomplishments in film
and television throughout the history of Hollywood. This year’s
exhibit kicks off the celebration with Academy Award-winning
actor Anthony Quinn’s 100th birthday and a screening of the
Oscar-winning film, Zorba the Greek on Sept. 18. Anthony
Quinn’s son, Alex, will also be present. (Plaza de la Raza – 3540
N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90031).

8. An Evening with Los Lobos (Sept. 27, 2015)
Come join GRAMMY Award
winning L.A. band, Los Lobos, as
they enter their fifth decade with
the release of their new album,
Gates of Gold. On Sept. 27, the
GRAMMY Museum presents An
Evening with Los Lobos at the
Clive Davis Theater, featuring Los
Lobos. (GRAMMY Museum at
L.A. LIVE – 800 W. Olympic Blvd.,
Suite A245, Los Angeles, CA
90015).

9. Latino LA Festival (Oct. 3, 2015)
Make it a family celebration by joining
LHLA at the 30-acre Wilmington Waterfront
Park at the Port of Los Angeles on
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. Kids can enjoy rock
climbing, arts and crafts, face painting and
an obstacle course throughout the day.
Meanwhile, adults will be free to enjoy art
exhibits and a live musical performance by
Mayaztek, after which there will be an
outdoor screening of the critically
acclaimed animated feature, The Book of
Life. (Port of Los Angeles – 425 S. Palos
Verdes St., San Pedro, CA 90731)

10. While these events are for Los Angeles, it would
be impossible to list all celebrations taking place
over the 30-day period throughout the nation.
Check your local cultural events calendar so you
won’t miss the upcoming celebrations in your area.

11. As you travel from event to event – be sure to drive safely
and share the road.
If you feel your current auto insurance company is charging
you too much for your coverage, why not switch to the best
auto insurance rates available by getting a free auto
insurance quote comparison today?

12. Do you plan to share in this special annual
tribute by learning and celebrating the
generations of Hispanic Americans who have
positively influenced and enriched our nation
and society?
Feel free to share your
thought in the comments
section below!