Our Independence: El Grito Celebrates its 5th year of bringing community together

¡Viva Hidalgo!

¡Viva Morelos!

¡Viva Allende!

¡Viva Aldama!

¡Viva la Corregidora de Querétaro!

¡Viva Guerrero!

¡Viva la independencia nacional!

¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!

“With this emblematic call to arms, in the early hours of Sept. 16, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla thereby initiated the movement for Mexico's independence”

“This proclamation of independence is shared every year at El Grito,” said event organizer and WAGAP Associate Director Juan Reyes. “The sacrifice for freedom and betterment of oneself and community is a legacy that is shared by people of all walks of life through values that unite all races, cultures, political beliefs, genders, age and financial statuses. On this day we have the opportunity to come together as a community to share in a meal, family activities, music, piñatas and celebration!”

El Grito brings together 30 community partners, vendors, and live music to Rheingarten Park in White Salmon in an afternoon full of activities, dancing and food. This year's entertainment includes performances by Corazon de Fuego and local youth Mexican folk dance group Latido Binacional.

“It is an honor that the community has welcomed the event every year and that we are celebrating our fifth year of hosting the event. We are grateful for the support of our amazing sponsors including the City of White Salmon, Inati Foundation, One Community Health, and Molina Healthcare,” said Reyes.

This year's Hispanic Heritage month celebration also marks a new chapter for the Latino community as the Gorge Heritage Museum, in partnership with WAGAP, that opened its new Hispanic Heritage Display on Sept. 10.

This project has been a year in the making as local artist and WAGAP’s Education and Engagement Coordinator, Christopher Cazares, and Dylan Ohnemus from the Gorge Heritage Museum have been collaborating on a Hispanic Heritage Display for the museum's gallery.

“The West Klickitat County Historical Society, a group of volunteers who operate the museum, has never in its more than 40-year history featured a Hispanic/Latino display,” said Ohnemus. “Immigration from Mexico and Central America to our community greatly increased during the World War II era, when Japanese Americans were pushed off their orchards to internment camps. For generations since, Hispanic/Latino families have been integral to our community and its culture. The Gorge Heritage Museum is excited to present Hispanic Heritage / Herencia Hispana, the newest permanent exhibit to our gallery. The exhibit includes interesting Mexican artifacts and a mural Chris made specifically for this display. We are honored to have this opportunity to share and educate about our Hispanic heritage.” 

Cazares said, "It has been a great project, but also a great opportunity to reflect on our experience as a Hispanic culture residing in the Gorge, on our history and contributions, not only as part of society but also as members of our own families. Through these conversations, we realized that there are so many more untold stories and that the community wants to tell. We have high hopes for the continued growth and evolution of this project."

El Grito returns on Sept. 13 at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon from 3-6 p.m. For more information about either event please contact Reyes at juan@wagap.org.