Hispanic Heritage Month is the period when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, approved by President Lyndon Johnson. It [was] expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. This Year's Theme is "Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America".