Updated

Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to an end.

The yearly celebration of Latino histories, cultures and contributions to American society ends Friday, October 15.

The national observation begins on September 15 every year. That's when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained their independence. México and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observation to an entire month. It was enacted into law on August 17,1988.

Officially, Americans celebrate the culture and traditions of U.S. Latinos who trace their roots back to Central and South American nations and countries and the Caribbean, according to the National Hispanic Heritage Month web site from the Library of Congress.

Some Latinos observe Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, on October 12.