El Grito event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

El Grito returns to White Salmon’s Rheingarten Park on Sunday, September 17, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. as the kick-off event for Hispanic Heritage Month on the Washington side of the Gorge. All are welcome, and admission is free.

“This year’s El Grito will be bigger and better than ever,” said event coordinator Juan Reyes. “We have an evening of family fun on the agenda with live music, games for the kids, and free food from Tacos Pepe and Rosa’s Churros. This year Alta Adicción is opening for La Misteriosa Banda 360, so it should be a great show.”

Although “El Grito” is celebrated as the battle cry that effectively launched Mexico’s War of Independence, the White Salmon event honors all Latin American peoples, countries, and traditions. “We are here to celebrate all people who live in the Gorge that share our heritage,” Reyes said, “and we want to share our culture with our neighbors.”

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a week-long commemoration of the blend of multicultural groups with roots throughout the Americas. California Congressman George E. Brown, representing San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, wanted to recognize the important contributions of Latinx community members to United States history.

In 1988 President Ronald Reagan extended the cultural celebration from September 15 – October 15 each year. This timeframe includes independence anniversaries for many Latin American countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rice, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Chile.

“El Grito” translates loosely in English as “the scream.” The event’s name comes from “El Grito de Dolores,” a speech that Father Miguel Hidalgo delivered to his parish in Dolores, Mexico, on September 16, 1810, to inspire a revolt against colonialism and inequity.

Reyes hopes the event sponsors’ focus on equity will encourage more Latinx community members to enjoy the many events that are held in both English and Spanish at the parks in White Salmon and Bingen. His goal is for more people to feel comfortable attending events throughout the communities.