Hispanic Heritage Month: why it runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month is in its last two weeks, and many people wonder why it starts in the middle of one month and ends in the middle of the next. The answer is a set of independence days.

According to History.com, September 15 is the independence day for five Central American nations, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which all declared independence on September 15, 1821. Mexico's independence day follows on September 16. Starting the observance on September 15 lets it include those national celebrations.

The observance has California roots. Congressman George E. Brown of California introduced the idea in June 1968, and Congress passed a law that September creating National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1987, Representative Esteban E. Torres proposed expanding it, and a bill sponsored by Senator Paul Simon passed in 1988 and was signed by President Ronald Reagan. President George H.W. Bush declared the first 31-day National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1989.

Many libraries, museums and schools hold events through October 15, including author talks, film screenings, music and food. Local library and museum websites usually list what is coming up.

Before the month ends, consider picking one book, film or local event by a Latino artist or historian to explore this weekend.