2025 El Grito
2025 El Grito celebration welcomes everyone
Sunday, September 14, from 3-6 pm in White Salmon
White Salmon, WA (August 20, 2025) – For the fourth year in a row, the Washington side of the Gorge will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with El Grito, a cultural celebration open to all community members. Admission is free and the event will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rhinegarten Park in White Salmon.
“This is a day of fun for everyone,” said Juan Reyes, the event coordinator from Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). “Together, with our partners, we invite all community members to come together in the park for a free day of live music, free food, family activities, and community resources.”
WAGAP and the City of White Salmon are joined this year by the Inatai Foundation, One Community Health, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), and Southwest Washington Equity Coalition (SWEC) as the primary sponsors.
The Latin beats of Banda Elegidos will be heard through the town this year during the celebration, and Reyes said people are welcome to sit and listen or get up and dance. It is also a chance for over 40 community partners to share information with residents about the types of services they offer, while offering some fun activities for children.
Taco’s Pepe, T-Quito El Hambre, Sunrise juice, Rosa’s Churros, and many more vendors will be present to serve some authentic Mexican foods and treats. The event is expected to host between 600-700 guests this year, as it has been growing year after year since its inception in 2022.
“This is about community,” Reyes said. “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.” “Building connections and community has always been the mission for El Grito; connections between neighbors, connections between families, and connections between cultures.”
Hispanic Heritage Month started nationwide in 1968 and became a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Many countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Chile, annually recognize their independence from colonial powers between September 15 and October 15. “El Grito” refers to the Mexican Independence battle cry, in this case representing the shared heritage of these countries.
For any questions about the event or to participate, contact Juan Reyes at juan@wagap.org or call WAGAP at 509-493-2662. For families and individuals needing assistance with basic needs, learn more about WAGAP services at wagap.org or start an application for aid at https://www.wagap.org/start.