National Hispanic Heritage Month
Summary
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) is observed annually in the City of Fairfax through a mayoral proclamation presented to the Fiesta Fairfax Committee at a City Council meeting. The proclamation recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx community, and notes that the national observance originated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan and enacted into law on August 17, 1988 (Public Law 100-402). The City of Fairfax has paired the proclamation with its annual Fiesta Fairfax event held in Old Town Square, featuring cultural performances, music, food, and educational exhibits. Mayor Catherine S. Reed presented the proclamation in both 2024 (September 24) and 2025 (September 30). The 2025 proclamation also noted the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States as an occasion to highlight over 500 years of Latino contributions to the nation.
What members have said
Mayor Reed presented the National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation to the Fiesta Fairfax Committee at both the September 24, 2024 and September 30, 2025 City Council meetings, formally proclaiming September 15 – October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Fairfax and encouraging the community to celebrate and recognize Latino contributions. At the 2025 presentation, she noted with pride that Fiesta Fairfax was in its third annual year.
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.