When was Hispanic heritage first celebrated in the U.S.?

Hispanic Heritage was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a week-long observance starting on September 15. This date was chosen because it coincides with the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries. In 1988, the week was expanded to a month-long celebration, now known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15.