Imagine 20 young kids dressed in vibrant traditional Central American regalia entering Seattle City Hall’s Bertha Knight Landes Room, following their passionate teacher in a procession through a packed crowd. Their voices rise together in a chant, “¡Unidos, Somos Más!” Signs held high, faces beaming, they bring a burst of energy and pride to Seattle’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
“These are the future,” said their teacher from José Martí Child Development Center the Hirabayashi Place.
It was a fitting reminder of what this year’s celebration was all about. Young people carry culture forward, keeping family stories, histories, language, customs and traditions alive for generations to come. And throughout this year’s celebration, those connections were on full display.
Held annually from September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Seattle’s celebration brought people together through live performances, traditional music and attire, delicious food and drinks, and opportunities to share the stories and traditions that connect generations.
A special thank you to Department of Neighborhoods staff Rosa Garcia, Israel Rios, and their colleagues, who worked with Councilmember Maritza Rivera’s office to bring the celebration to life. The event was supported by the Department of Neighborhoods, Office of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Education and Early Learning, and the Seattle Youth Commission. Special guests included representatives from the consulates of Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, as well as representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.
Department of Neighborhoods Director Quynh Pham reflected on this year’s theme, “Together, We Are More,”
“This year’s theme feels especially fitting. Culture grows when we share it. It is carried forward through our families, our neighborhoods, our food, our music, and all the things that make a place feel like home. Seattle is made stronger by the many communities who have brought their cultures, their stories, and their dreams here. The Hispanic and Latine community has shaped this city in countless ways. Today is a chance to celebrate their contributions and, most importantly, the people who make this community what it is.”
The next generation is already carrying these traditions forward. In the voices of those young people filling City Hall, we saw a reminder that culture is not only something we inherit. It is something we share, nurture, and pass on!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Seattle. Enjoy these moments from the celebration, and may the joy, pride, and connection captured in these photos continue to inspire how we show up for one another and build community across our city.
