Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of the more than 41.3 million Latinos residing in the U.S. In Arizona, 28% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin (2004). September 15 is the anniversary of Independence Day for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Two other countries, Mexico and Chile, declared their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively. You won't find a shortage of fun and interesting events in the Valley of the Sun during Hispanic Heritage Month.

_{Photo of Mariachis © Elizabeth Mitchell, Southwestern U.S. for Visitors.}