National Hispanic Heritage Month begins with celebrations across the U.S.

Celebrations across the U.S. are expected in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing the vast diversity and culture of Latinos.

Marked each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month is an opportunity for many in the U.S. to learn about or be reminded of the contributions of Hispanic people.

The nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority, over 70 million ethnically Hispanic residents make up one-fifth of the total U.S. population, according to the census. The group includes people whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

National Hispanic Heritage Month started as Hispanic Heritage Week. Mexican American U.S. Rep. Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles created legislation for it and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law in 1968.

It wasn’t until two decades later that it expanded into a month under President Ronald Reagan.

“It was clustered around big celebrations for the community,” said Alberto Lammers, director of communications at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute. “It became a chance for people to know Hispanic cultures, for Latinos to get to know a community better.”

Sept. 15 was chosen as a tribute to the anniversary of “El Grito de…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business