El Grito celebration set for Sept. 14

WHITE SALMON —  The fourth annual El Grito will return to Rheingarten Park on Sept. 14 with free music, food and family activities as the community kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, according to a press release from Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

El Grito, or “the cry,” refers to the Mexican Independence battle cry and is recognized across Latin America as part of independence commemorations. Hispanic Heritage Month was first established in 1968 and expanded to a month-long observance in 1988. Countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico and Chile mark their independence between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.

The event, scheduled from 3-6 p.m., is hosted by WAGAP in partnership with the City of White Salmon.

Banda Elegidos will perform during the afternoon, and more than 40 community partners will provide information about local services and offer activities for children. Food vendors such as Taco’s Pepe, T-Quito El Hambre, Sunrise Juice and Rosa’s Churros will serve traditional Mexican dishes and treats.

WAGAP says they expect high numbers this year and expect to host between 600-700 guests this year, and say that this event has been growing year after year since its inception in 2022.

“This is about community,” Juan Reyes, event coordinator for WAGAP, said in the release. “It’s a way to share some of our Latino culture with everyone in the community, and it’s a day of celebration with things everyone enjoys — good food, exciting music and a fun time with the family.”

Primary sponsors this year include the Inatai Foundation, One Community Health, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health and the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition.

For more information about the event or to participate, contact Reyes at juan@wagap.org or call 509-493-2662. Details are also available at wagap.org.