DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Dane County. The board passed 2026 RES-124 to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latine residents across the county.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, a date marking the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The observance also encompasses the independence days of Mexico on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. The 2026 theme, “Unidos, Somos Más,” celebrates strength in unity and honors the diverse histories and legacies of Hispanic and Latine communities.

“Hispanic and Latine residents are woven into every part of life in Dane County, from our schools and small businesses to our neighborhoods and nonprofit organizations,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate those contributions and to make clear that Dane County stands with our Hispanic and Latine neighbors, especially at a time when many feel apprehensive.”

Hispanic and Latine residents make up approximately 8.5 percent of Dane County’s population and represent the county’s fastest-growing community. With Spanish as the second most spoken language in the county, Hispanic and Latine residents continue to strengthen Dane County’s economy, neighborhoods, schools, and civic life through leadership, entrepreneurship, service, innovation, education, art, and cultural traditions.

“As the child of a Peruvian immigrant, my heritage has always been an important part of my identity,” said Supervisor Aria Trucios (District 9). “By recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, my hope is that we can make our Hispanic friends and neighbors feel more welcome in Dane County.”

The resolution also commends Voces de la Frontera and numerous other longstanding and emerging community organizations for their commitment to protecting, empowering, and uplifting immigrant communities across Wisconsin through advocacy, bilingual legal and navigation assistance, leadership development, and youth civic engagement.