National Hispanic Heritage Month offers the opportunity to celebrate the presence of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States, and their extensive contributions to the arts, cuisine, advocacy work, literature, politics, sports, and much more. This includes the recognition of those with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. With its first celebration having occurred in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th, through October 15th. This time span is especially significant because September 15th marks the commemoration of independence for El Salvadore, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico celebrates their independence on September 16th, Chile on September 18th, and Belize on September 21st.