The Salvadoran American Festival will return this Sunday, Aug. 2 with live music, traditional food, cultural performances and family activities as organizers invite the community to celebrate Salvadoran heritage while supporting scholarships for students in El Salvador.
The annual event, organized by Salvadoran-American Transnational Communities (COTSA), has become one of the region’s largest celebrations of Salvadoran culture. Organizers expect thousands of attendees after drawing about 5,000 people last year.
“This is a celebration of our culture and our traditions,” said Odir Perla, president of COTSA. “Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. We receive everyone with open arms.”
The festival commemorates Salvadoran American Day, officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2006. This year’s festival will feature Salvadoran, Mexican and bachata music, traditional Salvadoran cuisine, artisan vendors, children’s entertainment and the annual raffle of a Toyota vehicle.
Montgomery College highlights support for Latino students
Montgomery College officials joined organizers during a press conference Friday, emphasizing the institution’s partnership with the Salvadoran community.
“We support our diverse community,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “About one in three of our students identifies as Latino, and the largest group within that population identifies as Salvadoran. That reflects the demographics of Montgomery County.”
Carolina Turcios-Sorto, a community engagement specialist at Montgomery College, said the college wants Latino families to know they are welcome despite heightened anxiety affecting immigrant communities.
“We’ve been partnering with county organizations so people know they can come and participate,” Turcios-Sorto said. “It’s important to move beyond fear and celebrate who we are.”
Turcios-Sorto noted that approximately 30% of Montgomery College’s students identify as Latino and said creating a sense of belonging is one of the college’s educational priorities.
Festival details
The Salvadoran American Festival is free to attend, with free admission and parking.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Montgomery College Rockville Campus parking lot, and will include live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, activities for children and the annual Toyota raffle.
Organizers say the celebration is not only an opportunity to enjoy Salvadoran culture but also to help preserve traditions for younger generations while supporting education through scholarship programs.
