Hispanic Heritage Month: 
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2008  

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Celebrate your Hispanic Neighbors: According to the US census Bureau, the estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2005 is 42.7 million, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest and fastest growing ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constitute 14 percent of the nation’s total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.)
- Sixty-four percent of Hispanic-origin people in households are of Mexican background.
-  Forty-four percent of Hispanic-owned firms are a of Mexican origin; and 29,184 Hispanic-owned firms have receipts of $1 million or more.
- In the Southwest, the states of Arizona, California Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico are each home to over half a million Hispanic residents. California is home to over 12.4 million Hispanics - which is one third of it's state's population - and Los Angeles County is the home to the largest group of Hispanics in the country.

Celebrate these Famous Hispanic Americans :
Art: Judy Baca, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rupert García, Richard Serra
Baseball: Roberto Alomar, Jose Canseco, Roberto Clemente, Keith Hernandez, Juan Marichal, Pedro Jaime Martinez, Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa.
Basketball: Carlos Arroyo
Boxing: Oscar De La Hoya; John Ruiz
Comedy: George Lopez, Carlos Mencia
Football: Anthony Munoz
Golf: Nancy Lopez, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Treviño
Hockey: Scott Gomez
Literary Arts: Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, Rudolfo Anaya, Sandra Cisneros, Oscar Hijuelos, Maria Hinojosa, Luis Santeiro, Gary Soto
Marathons: Alberto Salazar
Movies, on TV & in Theatre: Desi Arnaz, Ruben Blades, Lynda Carter, Dolores Del Rio, Cameron Diaz, Emilio Estevez, Andy Garcia, Salma Hayek, Rita Hayworth, Raul Julia, Jennifer Lopez, Ricardo Montalban, Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Rosie Perez, Anthony Quinn, José Quintero, Geraldo Rivera, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, Jimmy Smits, Lupe Velez, Raquel Welch
Music & Dance: Christina Aguilera, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Jose Limon, Jennifer Lopez, Trini Lopez, Ricky Martin, Rita Moreno, Linda Ronstadt, Selena, Carlos Santana.
Tennis: Pancho Gonzalez

Hispanic Heritage Guide:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Mexico's Independence Day
Hispanic Heritage in our National Parks & along our National Historic Trails
in the Southwest
Hispanic and Mexican Food Guide & Glossary
How to Handle those HOT!! Chilies AND a great Chili con Queso Recipe
Hispanic and Mexican Recipes