MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15, running through Oct. 15. While it's not common for nationally recognized heritage months to begin halfway through a month, Sep. 15 is a very important date for many Latinos.

Five Latin American countries celebrate their independence this day (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Then on Sep. 16, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day, followed by Chile on the 18 and Belize on the 21. So, the nationally recognized date recognizes the importance of our history by starting halfway through, while still allowing for 30 days of celebrations. It all started in 1968 with President Lyndon B. Johnson declaring the week of September 15th as "National Hispanic Heritage Week". 20 years later, President Ronald Reagan dedicated a whole month to their rich culture.

While it focuses on Hispanic heritage of course, everyone is invited to celebrate!

There are celebrations happening nationwide, and right here in Southeast Wisconsin:

• Milwaukee Public Museum is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15 through "special events, interactive programs, an artifact spotlights." There is free admission on Thurs., Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• A Community Run/Walk is organized for Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at Zócalo Food Truck Park by Buena Tierra Run Club
• "Nuestra Herencia" celebration is taking place Sept. 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. on South 16th Street in Milwaukee featuring a'a full day of entertainment" including music, food, and family fun.
• A Hispanic Heritage Month Pop-Up Market on Sat., Sep. 26 from 12 to 5 p.m. takes place at The Sugar Maple in Milwaukee, highlighting local Hispanic creatives
• 3rd Street Market Hall is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Closeout Celebration on Thurs., Oct 8 starting at 4 p.m. with music, performances, food, market, and resources
• In honor of the Day of the Dead, Racine is hosting a Community Ofrenda.