Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively.

“The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life: from farm workers organizing for housing and equal wages, to gifted artists, to vibrant businesses, to music and community festivals,” she said.

Read the full proclamation in English and Spanish.