Biden marks National Hispanic Heritage Month with White House reception

(Gray News) - President Joe Biden held a reception on Wednesday in the White House’s East Room to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The contributions, histories and cultures of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America were celebrated.

The themed month encompasses a 30-day period that includes parts of two months because of the celebrations, including the independence days of Latin American nations, that fall within that timeframe.

Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, and Chile celebrates its independence on Sept. 18.

In addition, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 14, falls within this period. Some states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in addition to or instead of Columbus Day on Oct. 14.

The Hispanic heritage celebration, which began as a themed week by President Lyndon Johnson, was expanded by President Ronald Reagan and later signed into law in 1988.