Celebración
The First Annual Hispanic Heritage Closing Ceremony Hosts 200, Represents 21 Nations
By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOS APPEAR COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
It was a night of community fellowship, music, food, art, culture, history and most of all -- the future.
The event, “Cultura: An Immersive Experience,” celebrated the County’s Latino community through a vibrant cultural showcase, highlighting the diversity of Hispanic/Latino heritage while promoting community connections and cultural education.
Cultura: An Immersive Experience was held October 15 at Newton White Mansion. The opening ceremony was hosted by Prince George’s Park and Planning in September. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ office hosted the closing ceremony.
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15 annually, honors the rich histories, cultures, and achievements of Hispanic/Latino individuals and communities. There are over 250,000 Latino residents in Prince George’s County --- some 20% of the population. Latino students are 40% of the public school system.
“County Executive Alsobrooks’ leadership reflects her dedication to ensuring that Prince George’s County remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all residents, with this event serving as a vital opportunity to engage and celebrate the Latino community,” reported the county executive’s media office in an earlier release.
Samantha Howard, Latino Affairs Liaison at the Office of the County Executive, assures the connection between the Latino community and the county government.
“It took several months of planning, working, developing and reimaging,” Howard says of the first annual closing ceremony that included some 200 guests and represented historic, cultural and economic influences from 21 countries.
The evening included several unique moments and contributions --- including the reading of the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation entirely in Spanish, a historic first for such an official act. Additionally, Jesse Raudales, the first Latino to represent the US as an Olympic artist, presented an original work to the county.
Other participating leaders and organizations include:
Andrea Ochoa - Señora Joven Hispanoamérica Internacional 2024
Wilma Victoria Richiez Mateo - Miss Puerto Rico 2024
GROUP NAME
Larimar Folklore Dominicano
Grupo Folclórico Salvadoreño Cielo Azul
Danza Folklore Alebrijes
Corazón Folclórico DC
Ballet Folklorico Boliviano Nuestras Raices
Grupo Internacional del Salvador
Viviana Patarroyo Ulloa & Felipe Sanchez - Traje típico Colombiano
Ixil Enterprise - Traje típico Guatemala
Comunidades en Practica Cultura - traje típico Guatemala
Maestro Ari Hernandez en colaboracion con Carlos Lam from Marimba CORAZON DE MI TIERRA de Asociación de Guatemalteco SIN FRONTERAS
Music was provided by DJ El Pirata
“Bringing the vision of “CULTURA: An Immersive Experience” to life in Prince George's County, Maryland has been a dream come true,” Howard says. “This Hispanic Heritage Month closing event is more than a celebration—it is a reflection of the vibrant spirit, rich traditions, and deep-rooted pride of our Latino community in Prince George’s County. While Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 has come to an end, the spirit and inspiration this event ignited in our county will continue to fuel our momentum, driving us forward in this important work!”
Howard also shared her thanks to county leaders who made the night a success.
“A heartfelt thank you to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for her unwavering support and belief in the power of this vision. Her commitment to honoring our Latino heritage has made this moment possible. I am so proud to stand alongside a community that continues to inspire and uplift one another. ¡Adelante, y como decimos en Puerto Rico; ¡Que siga la fiesta!”
