National Hispanic Heritage Month
Summary
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) is recognized annually by the City of Fairfax through a mayoral proclamation presented to the Fiesta Fairfax Committee. The proclamation celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities, and acknowledges the significance of September 15 as the anniversary of independence for several Latin American nations. The observance traces its origins to Hispanic Heritage Week established under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, later expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan and enacted into law on August 17, 1988 (Public Law 100-402). Mayor Catherine S. Reed presented the proclamation on September 24, 2024, coinciding with the second annual Fiesta Fairfax event held October 5, 2024 in Old Town Square. The proclamation was presented again on September 30, 2025, ahead of the third annual Fiesta Fairfax event on October 4, 2025.
What members have said
Mayor Reed presented the National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation on both September 24, 2024 and September 30, 2025, encouraging the community to celebrate the month and recognize the contributions of the Latino community to the City of Fairfax. At the 2025 presentation, she noted pride in the third annual Fiesta Fairfax and its organizers.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.
Full history
[4a] Mayor Read presented a proclamation acknowledging September 15 – October 15, 2024 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Fairfax to the Fiesta Fairfax Committee.
[3a] Proclamation presented to the Fiesta Fairfax Committee acknowledging September 15 – October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Fairfax.