We invite you to join the NIH community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15. This year's national theme is: "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One." The theme highlights the idea that despite our differences, we are all interconnected and share a common humanity.

“Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The Best Hispanic Heritage Month Quotes

• “You are not lucky to be here.
• “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
• “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”
• “The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart.

Activities & Ideas To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

1. Learn why Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated.
2. Watch a documentary about the Latine experience.
3. Add a few new podcasts to your queue.
4. Visit a museum.
5. Take a virtual tour.
6. Read books written by Latine or Hispanic authors and poets.

Hispanic Heritage Month Facts

• National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.
• The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson.
• It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
• It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

The biggest tradition in Hispanic culture is familismo, or familialism, which is the concept that family should take priority over all other aspects of one's life.

Hispanic Heritage Month Facts

• National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.
• The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson.
• It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
• It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

Hispanic refers to a person with ancestry from a country whose primary language is Spanish. Latino and its variations refer to a person with origins from anywhere in Latin America (Mexico, South and Central America) and the Caribbean.

“If you have an opportunity to make things better and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” – Roberto Clemente. “Your great strength is knowing who you are.” – Oscar de la Renta. “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” – Sonia Sotomayor. “Action is the antidote to despair.” – Joan Baez.

You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." - Cesar Chavez. "The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever." - Sonia Sotomayer. “If we could light up the room with pain, we'd be such a glorious fire.” - Ada Limon, "Bright Dead Things"

Latinos of Mexican, South, and Central American ancestry tend to favor fútbol (soccer). Latinos from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean favor the sports of pelota (baseball), boxeo (boxing), and baloncesto (basketball), and the game of dominoes is their favorite pastime.

Hispanic Heritage Month Facts

• National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.
• The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson.
• It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
• It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.