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December 6, 2024

  • Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Hispanic Festival Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

    Hispanic Festival in Prince George's County.

    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.

    Hispanic Festival in Prince George's County.

    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

  • Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County celebrates Latina pioneers in aviation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

    RIVERDALE, Md. – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County presents Latinas in Aviation Global Festival at the College Park Aviation Museum and Airport on September 14, 10 am – 4 pm. This special cultural event honors and celebrates the trailblazing Latinas who have soared to new heights and opened doors for future generations in the aviation industry.

    “Latinas in Aviation Global Festival allows the College Park Aviation Museum to be more inclusive in interpretation and connects us more meaningfully with our local Hispanic community,” said Dr. Nadine Boksmati-Fattouh, Museum Director at the College Park Aviation Museum. “In its fourth year, this event brings the community together and continues to inspire and empower young girls and provides resources and mentorship to those interested in an aviation career.”

    The free family-friendly festival will include a fly-in (weather permitting), an exhibition, bilingual storytime, community art, and activities facilitated by museum educators and the Latinas in aviation. The cultural celebration will culminate in a lively concert with Sol y Rumba and Mariachi. Food vendors will be on-site for people to enjoy authentic Latin flavors.

    M-NCPPC first partnered with Jaqueline Ruiz, CEO of Fig Media and founder of the “Latinas in Aviation” brand, to host the festival in 2021 and together in 2022 launched an edition of Latinas in Aviation book that features local Maryland Latinas in the aviation industry. The fourth book in the Latinas in Aviation series features a new cohort of trailblazing Latinas.

    “Celebrating the 4th annual Latinas in Aviation Global Festival is an incredible achievement. The collaboration with College Park Aviation Museum and Latinas in Aviation continues to grow strong and is a true testament to how our stories can bring a positive impact in our community,” said Jacqueline Ruiz, Founder of Latinas in Aviation.  

    In 2024, the College Park Aviation Museum received the American Association for State and Local History’s Leadership in History award for the Latinas in Aviation program. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards program is the nation’s most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in state and local history.

    “The Latinas in Aviation Global Festival is important in the Hispanic community because it serves as a beacon of representation, inspiration, and empowerment,” said Ariana Ocampo, a contributor to the 4th edition of the Latinas in Aviation book. “This event provides a unique platform to inspire future generations, foster a supportive community, and highlight the diverse narratives that enrich our field.  Being part of this historic moment underscores the significance of our stories and our roles as pioneers and leaders in aviation.”

    This event is supported by Field of First Foundation, Inc. Airbus, ATHA, AND District 3.

    To learn more about Latinas in Aviation Global Festival and the College Park Aviation Museum visit pgparks.com.

    About the College Park Aviation Museum

    The College Park Aviation Museum is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Situated on the College Park Aviation Campus, the museum overlooks the active runway of the historic College Park Airport, the world’s oldest continuously operating airport and the site of numerous significant aviation firsts. Dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the rich aviation history of College Park Airport and Prince George’s County, the museum fosters curiosity, learning, and community engagement. By enhancing our interpretive efforts, broadening representation, and nurturing partnerships, we are committed to positively impacting the community we serve.

    Opened in 1998, the College Park Aviation Museum is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate.

    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

  • Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announces official programming for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is pleased to announce an exciting series of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. Starting September 14 through October 15, we invite the community and the media to honor and embrace the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans through interactive activities, live music, traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly festivals.

    “We are thrilled to host these events during Hispanic Heritage Month, offering our community a chance to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans,” said Bill Tyler, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “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.”  

    The following are just a few of the programs available. For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage Month offerings please visit pgparks.com.

    Latinas in Aviation Global Festival

    Saturday, September 14, 10 am – 4 pm

    College Park Aviation Museum

    1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, 20740

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s College Park Aviation Museum and Airport is honoring Latina pioneers in aviation and celebrating Hispanic culture. This one-of-a-kind festival allows you to meet and hear from inspiring Latinas and learn about the magic of aviation. Enjoy demos & children’s activities, food, community art, bilingual story time, author meet and greets, and giveaways. Cap off the afternoon with a 3 pm concert performance.

    Hispanic Festival

    Sunday, September 15, 12:30 – 5:30 pm

    Lane Manor Park  

    7601 West Park Dr. & University Blvd., Adelphi 20783

    The Hispanic Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant celebration. This FREE festival draws over 10,000 people to Lane Manor Park in Adelphi, bringing the community together for an unforgettable day. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious ethnic food, craft vendors, carnival games, exhibitors, and more.

    Festival Del Rio

    Saturday, September 21, 11 am – 4 pm

    Bladensburg Waterfront Park

    4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg 20710

    Celebrate the outdoors and the Anacostia River at the 9th annual Festival del Rio Anacostia. This bilingual environmental festival teaches the community about the river and how to become better stewards of the Anacostia and its watersheds. Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, entertainment, delicious food, fishing demos, live animals, and free boat rides and giveaways.

    Hispanic Heritage Month Celebración

    Sunday, October 13, 2 – 5 pm

    Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

    5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville, 20785

    Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The celebración will include an art exhibit of artists Silvia Martinez (Puerto Rico) and Pepe Piedra (Peru) exhibit: “Icons, Idioms and Myth,” live music, dancing, arts & crafts activities for children, and light refreshments.

    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.

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