Council Honors Latino Heritage Month

This week, the City Council passed a resolution recognizing September 15th to October 15th as Latino Heritage Month in the City of Boston, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Latino communities throughout Boston's history.

Since its inception, the Country has drawn strength and insight from Latino writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government. Following the civil rights movement, in 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90–48, which officially authorized and requested the President to issue an annual proclamation formally recognizing the contributions of Latino communities in the United States throughout American history. Initially declared "Hispanic Heritage Week", in 1988 the observance was expanded to a month-long celebration—timed to honor the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (Sept. 15), followed by Mexico (Sept. 16), Chile (Sept. 18), and Belize (Sept. 21), and related commemorations that recognize and honor the histories, lived experiences, sacrifices, and contributions that Latino and Indigenous communities bring to our shared civic life.

Boston is home to the Commonwealth's largest Latino community—more than 135,000 residents, who represent 20% of Boston's population. The resolution celebrates the rich tapestry of Latino cultures, histories, and contributions that enrich the fabric of the City of Boston.