National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from Sept. 15th to Oct. 15th. (Photo source: YSU.org.)
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the County’s Human Rights Commission is recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed each year from Sept. 15th to Oct. 15th.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, celebrating the heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
“Hispanic Heritage Month encourages us to highlight and learn about the many contributions that Hispanics have made in communities throughout Orange County,” Neuhaus said. “Latinos have played an important role in every aspect of our community, including the arts, medicine, government and business. We are proud of the County’s rich and diverse Hispanic culture and heritage.”
Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate their independence on Sept. 15th, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16th, Chile on Sept. 18th and Belize on Sept. 21st.
Inaudy Esposito, executive director of the Orange County Human Rights Commission, noted that residents can use Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to support Hispanic businesses and charities, enjoy cuisine from any of the countries that are being celebrated and take time to learn about their cultures.