National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, the Latino population in Montgomery County increased by 31.4 percent since 2010, making Hispanics or Latinos 20.5 percent (217,409) of the County’s total population.
“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities to the rich diversity of our county,” said County Executive Elrich. “The County’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair—Ama tu Vida, Ama tu Herencia—is a celebration of culture, and an opportunity to promote health and well-being in our community. Through initiatives like the Latino Health Initiative, the County aims to encourage healthy living and community engagement . I invite everyone to join us in honoring heritage, embracing wellness, and fostering a sense of unity and pride in all that we share.”
Events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month will include:
- Sept. 15-Oct. 15: A social media campaign recognizing several Hispanic County employees.
- Sept. 26: Announcement of the County’s “Hablemos Español” pilot program in collaboration with Montgomery College.
- Oct. 6: “Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia Festival and Health Fair” in Wheaton.
- Oct. 11: County Executive Elrich will visit Latino-owned Upcounty businesses to highlight the Latino small business community.
The free event will showcase local vendors offering authentic Latin American cuisine, handcrafted artisanal jewelry, traditional crafts, folklore items celebrating Hispanic Heritage, live music and performances, and Barrios Mágicos kids space offering piñata-making, face painting and hands-on crafts using recyclable materials.
The health fair is in collaboration with the County’s Latino Health Initiative. There will be health screenings, including HIV/Syphilis and oral health screenings provided by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services Dental Clinic, information on health resources and a Zumba class. For additional information, visit https://youtu.be/X5WyuMNedNM.
Live music and performances at Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair will include Latin pop, Afro-Latino beats, salsa and cultural dances culminating with la “Hora Loca” parade:
- Noon-1 p.m. Luis Garay
- 1-1:30 p.m. Traditional Dance
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Ocho de Bastos
- 2:30-3 p.m. Albert Einstein High School Titanes Salseros
- 3-4 p.m. Pepe González
- 4-5 p.m. Hora Loca (Carnival Hour)
To learn more about the County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, including a complete schedule of events and how to participate, visit https://www.lhiinfo.org/hhm24/.