Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the history, achievements, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America.. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on 15 September, the day of independence for five Latin American countries which are El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.  Mexico won its independence on 16 September, while Chile gained its freedom on 18 September, which are very close to all the other countries.. President Lyndon Johnson was the first president to declare a Hispanic Heritage celebration in 1968.