Hispanic Heritage Month events may feel different this year as some Montgomery County Latinos weigh the risks of taking part in public cultural celebrations amid concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
In 2025, Salvadoreñisimo Festival, one of the area’s largest Hispanic heritage events in Wheaton that usually occurs on the independence day of El Salvador on Sept.15, was canceled for this reason.
Now, just a year later, Temporary Protected Status for U.S. immigrants from El Salvador, a program created to give temporary status and the ability to work legally, was set to terminate Sept. 9 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. However, as of Sept. 14, the U.S. government has not announced whether the designation will be terminated or extended. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated Salvadorans currently covered by TPS retain protection, including work authorization, until an announcement is made.
Salvadoreans make up the largest Latino community in Montgomery county, more than 74,000 residents, according to Montgomery Planning data. This leaves many local families uncertain about their future.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Below are a few of events planned to commemorate the monthlong observance of Hispanic culture, despite the current political climate.
- The Hispanic Heritage Unity Festival – Wheaton, Sept. 19 12-4pm
- AFI Latin American film festival – AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Silver Spring, Sept. 16- Oct. 16
- Colores reception – Black Rock Center for the Arts, Sept. 15- Oct. 15
- Networking Fiesta – Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County, Oct. 1
- Festival and Health Fair – Ama tu Vida, Ama tu Herencia – Wheaton, Oct. 6 12-5pm
For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month events in Montgomery County, go to Visit Montgomery online.
