Hispanic Heritage Month 2027 runs from Wednesday, September 15, to Friday, October 15, 2027. Unlike most heritage months, it starts in the middle of a month because September 15 is the independence day of five Latin American countries.
The observance began as a week in 1968 and became a 30-day period in 1988. This guide covers the dates, history, key facts, and the difference between Hispanic and Latino.
Key takeaways
- Hispanic Heritage Month always runs September 15 to October 15; in 2027, that is Wednesday to Friday.
- September 15 is Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
- It began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded by law in 1988.
- The US Hispanic population was 70.1 million in 2025, about 21% of the country.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2027 at a glance
- Dates: Wednesday, September 15 – Friday, October 15, 2027.
- Also called: National Hispanic Heritage Month; Latino Heritage Month.
- Length: 31 days, from September 15 to October 15.
- Began: as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968.
- Made a month: Public Law 100-402, August 17, 1988.
- Public holiday: no.
Table of Contents
When is Hispanic Heritage Month 2027?
Hispanic Heritage Month 2027 is September 15 to October 15, 2027, starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Friday. The dates are the same every year.
Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on September 15?
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 because that is the independence anniversary of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence in the following days, so the period covers them too (Census Bureau).
| Date in 2027 | Country or observance |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, September 15 | Independence Day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua |
| Thursday, September 16 | Mexico’s Independence Day |
| Saturday, September 18 | Chile’s Independence Day |
| Tuesday, September 21 | Belize’s Independence Day |
| Tuesday, October 12 | DÃa de la Raza, marked in many Spanish-speaking countries |
DÃa de la Raza falls on October 12, the same date as the original Columbus Day, and sits inside the observance (Hispanic Heritage Month). In the US, Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are marked on Monday, October 11, 2027.
How did Hispanic Heritage Month start?
Hispanic Heritage Month started as a week and grew into a 30-day period. The main steps:
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Congress authorizes President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. |
| 1988 | President Ronald Reagan expands it to a 30-day period, September 15 to October 15. |
| August 17, 1988 | The expansion becomes law as Public Law 100-402. |
Sources: Hispanic Heritage Month, Census Bureau. Presidents have issued a proclamation for the month each year since.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?
Hispanic usually refers to people with roots in Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain. Latino usually refers to people with roots in Latin America, including Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken, but not Spain.
| Origin | Hispanic? | Latino? |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and other Spanish-speaking Latin American countries | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Yes | Usually no |
| Brazil | Usually no | Yes |
The US Census Bureau uses the two terms together. It defines Hispanic or Latino as “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race,” which means Hispanic people may be of any race (Census Bureau).
Many people prefer to be described by their family’s country, such as Mexican American or Puerto Rican.
Hispanic Heritage Month facts
The US Hispanic population reached 70.1 million on July 1, 2025, about 21% of the US population and the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority, according to the Census Bureau.
- States: 16 states had 1 million or more Hispanic residents in 2025.
- Fastest-growing county: Harris County, Texas, added 50,093 Hispanic residents from 2024 to 2025, the largest gain in the country.
- Median age: 31.1 years in 2025, younger than the US population overall.
Source: Census Bureau, National Hispanic Heritage Month: 2026.
Hispanic Heritage Month ideas
Schools, workplaces, and families mark the month with food, music, history, and community events. Ideas include:
- Mark the independence days: learn about the countries celebrating on September 15, 16, 18, and 21.
- Explore food and music: cook dishes from different countries, and play music from salsa and cumbia to mariachi and reggaeton.
- Learn about Hispanic Americans: students often study leaders, scientists, artists, and athletes; famous Hispanic people are one of the most searched topics in September.
- Visit a festival: many cities hold parades, art markets, and cultural festivals during the month.
- Support Hispanic-owned businesses: shop at local restaurants, bakeries, and stores.
Other heritage months in 2027, including AAPI Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month, are listed in the Awareness Calendar 2027.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates 2026 to 2031
| Year | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, September 15 | Thursday, October 15 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, September 15 | Friday, October 15 |
| 2028 | Friday, September 15 | Sunday, October 15 |
| 2029 | Saturday, September 15 | Monday, October 15 |
| 2030 | Sunday, September 15 | Tuesday, October 15 |
| 2031 | Monday, September 15 | Wednesday, October 15 |
Frequently asked questions
When is Hispanic Heritage Month 2027?
Hispanic Heritage Month 2027 runs from Wednesday, September 15, to Friday, October 15, 2027.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15?
September 15 is the independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and Mexico and Chile follow on September 16 and 18.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
It is a month-long US observance, from September 15 to October 15, that recognizes the history, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
To recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans, who make up about 21% of the US population, to the nation’s history, culture, and achievements.
Is it called Hispanic or Latino Heritage Month?
The official name is National Hispanic Heritage Month, but many schools and groups also call it Latino or Latinx Heritage Month.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?
Hispanic refers to Spanish-speaking origin, including Spain; Latino refers to Latin American origin, including Brazil.
