Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a week-long event before expanding

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off, it’s time to enjoy the cultural festivities and delicious foods while also learning some lesser-known facts about this 30-day celebration.

Back in 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated this observance. As the Spanish-speaking population began to grow, he designated “Hispanic Heritage Week” in September.

Dr. Guillermo De Los Reyes, an associate professor focusing on Latin American studies at the University of Houston, noted that this was the start of what eventually extended into a month-long event.

“Two decades later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to ‘Hispanic Heritage Month,’ from September 15 to October 15,” he explained. The dates are significant as September 15 marks the celebration of independence for several Latin American nations.

Dr. De Los Reyes mentioned that countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador commemorate their independence around the same time as Mexico, making this period significant for celebrating Hispanic heritage.

This time of year, he mentioned, is busy for the Hispanic studies department, offering a perfect chance to dive into the history of Hispanic heritage and discover local pioneers who often go unrecognized.

“And as I was telling you before, Lorenzo De Zavala of Mexican descent, who was vice president of the Republic of Texas, and we have an elementary school here in Houston, and I ask the students, ‘Do you know who Lorenzo De Zavala was?’ And they don’t know. So, it is an opportunity to teach the students the history of this state and this country,” he said.

Dr. De Los Reyes also said to remind everyone that this time period is not to be confused with “Cinco de Mayo,” either, which is a day that has become more of a “social celebration” here in the U.S.

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