National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, opening on the day five Central American nations mark their independence and carrying through the anniversaries of Mexico, Chile, and Belize. Across the United States, communities honor the history, artistry, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and food. What began in 1968 as a single commemorative week became a full month in 1988, and it endures today as one of the country’s largest and most widely observed cultural celebrations.