Running from September 15 to October 15 each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month serves to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
And in the Upstate, those people being recognized have one of the highest population growth rates in the nation, emphasizing the increasingly important role they play in our local communities.
Started as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, the observance was expanded to thirty days in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for five 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; and Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, is on October 12, falling within the 30-day period as well.
Continue reading about Hispanic Heritage Month at www.OurUpstateSC.info.
(Copy written by James Richardson, freelance writer and the publisher of Travelers Rest Tribune. )