Celebrating Heritage, Defending Traditions: Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
This year, we enter Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2025) with the theme: “Raíces y Resistencia: Honoring Our Past, Defending Our Future.” It is a reminder that our culture is not only rooted in centuries of tradition but also in the ongoing struggle for dignity and recognition. Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a time to celebrate the richness of Latino history, language, food, music, and family traditions that shape Washington State and the nation as a whole.
For generations, Latino and Hispanic communities have gathered through parades, fiestas, cultural festivals, and family-centered events. These traditions are more than entertainment, they are acts of cultural preservation and spaces of belonging. They provide opportunities for families to pass down stories, music, and customs, strengthening identity while uniting communities across generations.
Yet, this year’s HHM also reflects a sobering reality. The increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with often unlawful tactics, have disrupted long-standing celebrations and services. The fear is tangible, not only for undocumented individuals, but also for those in mixed-status households and even U.S. citizens. The chilling effect of these enforcement actions has left community organizations feeling forced to modify or cancel events that once served as anchors of cultural pride. For example:
In Eastern, WA. Local non-profit organizations were forced to cancel major cultural events due to safety concerns and the fear of ICE raids.
In Central, WA. Immigrant services, vital lifelines for families, have been delayed or abruptly canceled, leaving communities without critical support. And a beloved Community Cinco de Mayo Celebration was canceled altogether, ending a tradition that brought families together for decades.
Across Washington State, student-led and community-organized events have been halted midstream or canceled as ICE presence created fear and instability.
These losses are not just about missed celebrations, they represent attacks on community trust, belonging, and the right to cultural expression. But even in the face of these challenges, the Latino community continues to rise. Resilience is at the heart of our heritage. Families are finding new ways to gather, celebrate, and honor traditions, whether in smaller, private settings, through digital spaces, or by building stronger networks of mutual support.
It is also vital to remember that Latinos should not only be recognized and celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month but all year long. Our community is central to Washington’s culture, economy, and future. According to the Latino Community Fund of Washington State, Latino residents contribute approximately $7.1 billion annually to the state’s economy via consumer spending and tax revenue. (walatinonews.com, 2023) Acknowledging Latino contributions beyond a single month means valuing the everyday impact of Latino workers, educators, students, artists, and families who make Washington stronger.
As part of our social media and website 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, we will highlight stories of resilience, share resources for communities under threat, and amplify the voices of those who continue to celebrate despite adversity. Together, we honor our raíces and affirm that our traditions will endure no matter the obstacles placed before us.