Celebrating the history, diverse cultures and contributions from Hispanic and Latinx communities.  

History of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month 

We celebrate Hispanic American Heritage Month each year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The observance was first held in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. It expanded to a month-long observance in 1988. While other cultural observance months start on the first of the month, there is a reason this one doesn’t. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all gained independence on Sept. 15; plus, Mexico’s Independence Day is Sept. 16, and Chile’s is Sept. 18. Though the official name of the month does not include Latinx, making a distinction between Hispanic and Latinx communities is important because they are not the same. Hispanic refers to people who have ancestry in or are from a Spanish-speaking country, whereas Latinx refers to people who have ancestry in or are from a Latin American country. 

Theme for 2025 

This year’s theme is: “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Present.” The theme recognizes the rich traditions, stories and contributions that bind the diverse Hispanic and Latinx communities. 

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month at UW Medicine 

UW Medicine’s Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Flag Raising will take place on Monday, Sept. 15 at noon on all hospital campuses. 

UW Medicine continues to address policies and practices to focus on equity and social and health justice as we strive to become an anti-racist organization. UW Medicine’s Office of Healthcare Equity offers regular events, talks and training on the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice. The office also sponsors affinity groups, including the  Hispanic and Latinx Affinity Group. Everyone is welcome. 

Resources 

• Celebrate National Latino Physician Day on Oct. 1. 
• Learn about UW Medicine’s Latinx Diabetes Clinic.  
• Find featured scientists on Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists 
• Watch “Why Do We Say Latino?” on PBS and learn about the history of Latino, Hispanic and Latinx terms.  
• Learn more about LGBTQ+ Hispanic and Latinx voices. 
• Support local Latinx-owned businesses. 
• Watch “10 Great TED Talks by Hispanic and Latinx Speakers for Hispanic Heritage Month” from TED. Talks range from ideas of identity and personal growth to politics and immigration.  
• Get the Visit Seattle Guide to Seattle’s Latino Cultural Heritage. 
• Learn about a local nonprofit serving the Latinx community here in Seattle – El Centro de La Raza 
• Find WA Regional Resources serving the Latinx Community – WA Commission on Hispanic Affairs 
• Learn about the Latino Medical Student Association representing Latinx students in Healthcare professions nationwide. 
• Know your Rights about Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington – Guidance from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General