The annual Salvadoran American Day Festival that draws thousands of people to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, will not be held this year. The event was scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8.
Fears that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcements (ICE) might come to the entrance to the festival and arrest attendees who are undocumented caused the event to be withdrawn, according to numerous news organizations and several people MCM contacted.
According to a statement to MCM, “In light of the current immigration climate and the growing concerns within the Salvadoran and broader immigrant community, the organizers of the Festival Salvadoreñisimo have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2025 event until 2026.”
Organizer’s Concerns
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community. Holding a large public event at this time could unintentionally create an opportunity for immigration enforcement actions, and we refuse to put anyone at risk. This decision comes after thoughtful consultation with community leaders and industry professionals, who echoed the need for a cautious and compassionate approach,” wrote Fredy Diaz, executive producer of Festival Salvadoreñisimo.
Diaz continued, “Organizers hope that conditions will improve by 2026, allowing the festival to return in a safer, more welcoming
environment for all.”
This would have been the festival’s 20th year in Montgomery County.
County Leaders React
According to an employee with Council President Kate Stewart, “This is our understanding from news reports, and we learned this evening this is the case from folks connected to organizers.”
“I was disappointed to hear that this year’s Salvadoran Independence Day Festival has been cancelled. This is an important event that brings together thousands of people to celebrate culture, music, food, and community,” said Executive Marc Elrich in a statement to MCM.
“I understand the concerns that were raised, and I recognize that those concerns stem from real fear and anxiety that many in our immigrant communities continue to live with, particularly in this moment,” Elrich said.
“Montgomery County has always been a place where immigrants should feel welcome and safe. That includes our Salvadoran neighbors, who make up the largest share of our Latino community.”
Event History
According to Visit Montgomery, which is not affiliated with the festival but does list the event on its calendar, it “brings together thousands of people for the official celebration of the independence of Salvadorans residing in the tri-state area of Washington, DC. A party that brings nostalgia with music and entertainers from El Salvador, sponsors, and awards, by the organizers, to prominent people from El Salvador for their work in different areas.”
Several years ago, MCM covered the Salvadoran American Day Festival at Montgomery College in Rockville.
