Unlike most other ethnic heritage months, Hispanic American Heritage Month straddles the last half of September and the first half of October.

The reason for the unusual time period is its precursor -- Hispanic Heritage Week -- which was celebrated beginning in 1968. The week of Sept. 15 was chosen because several Latin American countries celebrate their independence day on Sept. 15, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. On Sept. 16, Mexico celebrates its independence and Chile's independence day is Sept. 18.

In 1998, the celebration was extended to a month. It now includes Día de la Raza on Oct. 12.

Every year in early September, the president issues a proclamation inviting Americans to celebrate the traditions, ancestry and achievements of Hispanic Americans.