Hispanic Heritage Month—a vibrant annual celebration of Latino culture from September 15 to October 15—is hitting quieter notes this year across the U.S. 🎭 With nearly 70 million Hispanic Americans shaping the nation’s art, food, and innovation, the festivities usually burst with parades, concerts, and family gatherings. But 2023 tells a different story.
🔇 Many communities are scaling back or canceling events amid heightened immigration enforcement debates. In Washington State, local organizers told CGTN’s Roza Kazan that safety concerns and political tensions have led to “more reflection than revelry.” One festival planner admitted, “It’s hard to dance when your neighbors are anxious.”
📉 While some cities host virtual panels on Latino contributions to tech and education, others see empty streets where colorful processions once flowed. A college student in Texas shared: “We’re celebrating quietly—but we’re still celebrating. Our history doesn’t stop.”
🌱 Advocates emphasize resilience, using the moment to spotlight grassroots initiatives supporting immigrant families. As one activist put it: “Culture isn’t just confetti—it’s community.”
