El Grito event kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15, 2024

El Grito event kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month

Sunday September 15 from 3-6 pm in White Salmon

White Salmon, WA (updated August 22, 2024) - Returning for a third year, El Grito will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on the Washington side of the Gorge on Sunday, September 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon. Admission is free, and the event is open to all.

"Our hope is that this year El Grito will continue to bring us together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as well as kick off Mexican Independence Day with a day of great music and fun," said Juan Reyes, WAGAP’s associate director.

The hot Latin music of Conjunto Alegre will get the party started with a mix of salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and chachachá. The group performs songs in both Spanish and English. 

“Piñatas are back! This is one of the most popular activities for the kids,” Reyes said.  “Attendees will enjoy some free tacos, tamales, and churros while enjoying music in the park.”

The event has gained popularity over the past couple of years, and coordinators hope the trend continues. Returning sponsors include WAGAP, the City of White Salmon, and the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), with One Community Health joining this year.

The City of White Salmon will have an opportunity to showcase a new splash pad, a family-friendly improvement to the park that is expected to be completed by the end of August.

"El Grito is more than just a celebration,” said City of White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler. “It's an opportunity for our community to come together in support of one another and to honor the rich heritage that contributes to the diversity of White Salmon. We're thrilled to see our community embrace this event, as it not only celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month but also helps us all appreciate and raise awareness about the varied and vibrant cultures that make up our town. Supporting each other in this way strengthens our bonds and enriches the fabric of our community."

Although the title “El Grito” refers to the Mexican Independence battle cry, the purpose of El Grito is to bring all Latin American cultures together with local community members to share their heritage. Many countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Chile, annually recognized their independence from colonial powers between September 15 and October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month started nationwide in 1968 and became a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan.

"We want to thank the community for continuing to support El Grito,” Reyes said. “WAGAP and our community partners have worked hard to create an event that is free and welcoming to everyone, and we’d love to see another big crowd out to enjoy the festivities.”

For any questions about the event or to participate, contact Juan Reyes at juan@wagap.org or call WAGAP at 509-493-2662. Learn more about programs that support community members in need at wagap.org. 

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency that helps individuals, families, and communities. WAGAP addresses basic human needs, including food, shelter, energy assistance, and more, in Skamania and Klickitat Counties. For more than 50 years, WAGAP has helped people help themselves and reach self-sufficiency. Learn more at wagap.org, or contact WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 or info@wagap.org.