Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16, and Chile on the 18th. They are important dates in Latin American history, marking the birth of seven new nations.
This special month is declared each year by Presidential Proclamation since 1989. From 1968 through 1988, it was issued each year for the week that included Sept. 16..
This month is a time when the proud people of Spanish, Hispanic, and Latino origin celebrate the customs and traditions passed down to them through the ages. For other Americans, it is a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions Hispanic people have made to our nation.
Hispanic influence is everywhere in the U.S. Many of our states and cities bear Spanish names, including California, Cape Canaveral, Colorado, Boca Raton, Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Montana, Nevada, and San Francisco. And some of our most popular foods, like chocolate, guacamole, tomatoes, potatoes, and salsa, originated in Latin America.
