From September 15th to October 15th, we join people across the country in celebrating the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. This month is more than a look back—it’s a living celebration of traditions, values, and voices that continue to shape our nation today.
What began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 into the month-long observance we honor now. The timing is especially meaningful: mid-September marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15), followed closely by Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 17), and Belize (September 21).
Hispanic Americans represent the largest minority population in the United States, enriching the country with a mosaic of food, music, art, traditions, and values. Their influence is undeniable—shaping politics, science, sports, journalism, and the arts, while weaving heritage and heart into the nation’s story.
But Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that culture isn’t something confined to textbooks or history museums—it’s alive in the aroma of homemade tamales that connect generations, in the rhythms of salsa and mariachi that invite communities to dance, in the courage of leaders who fought for justice, and in the artistry of storytellers who help us see the world in new ways.
Here in Los Angeles County, these traditions are not just celebrated once a year—they are part of our daily lives. They live on in the murals that stretch across city walls, telling intergenerational stories; in the sounds of music floating through neighborhood festivals; and in the values of family, resilience, and unity that transcend time. Hispanic culture is both local and universal, a living heartbeat of our community.
Of course, this list only scratches the surface. Hispanic history is American history. With family as a cornerstone and tradition as a guiding force, Hispanic and Latinx communities continue to plant deep roots, flourish in new ways, and inspire us all to carry their legacy forward.
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
