Before Hispanic Heritage Month became a month of celebration, the observation was only held for a week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Two decades later, on Aug. 17, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law that expanded it to a 30-day period starting from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 annually, the Census said.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It is observed from Sept. 15 to October 15 in the United States.