Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the diverse culture and contributions of the American Latinx people and runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The celebration originated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week until President Lyndon B. Johnson but was later changed to a month-long celebration under President Ronald Reagan. This month honors the countless contributions Hispanic Americans make on society and culture, and also the independence of many countries like Costa Rice, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Every year a theme is set for this month. The theme for 2020 is Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation.

In the wake of COVID-19, some traditional festivities have been canceled, but many small Latinx businesses and restaurants are still open for support.

Hispanic Heritage month acknowledges and respects the amount of work Latinx people do for America and is a way to show support for the Hispanic American community.

Here are a few Houston area events and ways to support:

• Viva Latin America is a concert on Monday, Oct. 19 by the Houston Latin American Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate at the end of Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston
• Greater East End of Houston is a diverse neighborhood known for its Latino music and dance at the Teatro Bilingue de Houston
• Mi Pueblito Restuarant