National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, cultures and contributions that Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16, Sept. 18 and Sept. 21 respectively.

The 30-day period also falls within Columbus Day or Día de la Raza on Oct. 12, which is a celebration of Hispanic traditions and cultural heritage in many Latin American countries.

Although campus assemblies and gatherings will not be held, in alignment with Mansfield ISD’s health and safety protocols for in-person learning, schools will still be celebrating the impact of Hispanic and Latino cultures through lessons, morning announcements and projects.

The national observance started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month here.