<P> National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the group's heritage and culture . </P> <P> Hispanic Heritage Week was established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal (D - Los Angeles) and first proclaimed President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 . The commemorative week was expanded by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban E. Torres (D - Pico Rivera) and implemented by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30 - day period (September 15 - October 15). It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100 - 402 . </P> <P> September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua . All declared independence in 1821 . In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively . </P>

First day of the week in hispanic countries