News
Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Hispanic Festival Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
September 12, 2024
RIVERDALE, Md. – Thousands of people gather at Lane Manor Park in Adelphi every year to kick off the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month with the Hispanic Festival. Filled with music, folkloric dances, authentic Latin cuisine, and community resources, the festival has been a long-standing tradition for Latinos in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas. This year, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County marks the 40th anniversary of the festival.
“We’re excited to celebrate this milestone for the Hispanic Festival,” said Carlos Ocasio, Area Specialist with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “The festival brings the community together, we share our cultures, and traditions and create a sense of family.”
The festival started as the Hispanic Arts Festival at the former Takoma Langley Community Center in 1979. In 1991 the festival had outgrown the center, and the Department of Parks and Recreation decided to move the festival to its current location at Lane Manor Park just off University Blvd.
The increased popularity of the Hispanic Festival over the years reflects the growing Hispanic population in the county. In 2024 nearly 20% of the population in Prince George’s County are Hispanic.
“Prince George’s County is home to a thriving Latino population, and this year’s celebrations reflect the Department’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural appreciation,” said Bill Tyler, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The 2024 Hispanic Festival is expected to be bigger than ever before in celebration of the milestone year. A parade of flags representing the Latin American countries will commence the festivities. Throughout the festival, people are invited to enjoy children’s activities, carnival games, craft vendors, and live entertainment including folkloric dancers from Brazil and Colombia and Latin music bands.
Hispanic Festival will take place Sunday, September 15, from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Lane Manor Park at 7601 West Park & University Blvd. Adelphi 20783.
To learn more about the Hispanic Festival and other Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Hispanic Heritage Month programs and events visit pgparks.com
About the Department
With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will assure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Munoz, 301-580-8831
