On September 14th, the 49th Hispanic Culture Festival Parade and Fourth Street Festival were held in the West District of Wilmington, Delaware. The event, themed “Somos América, we are America,” echoed the “DE250” activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, focusing on “our roots | our voice,” showcasing the profound influence of Latin American culture on Delaware and the United States.
The parade featured school marching bands, local Hispanic businesses, and community leaders who presented a cultural feast through music, dance, and food.
Parade Grand Marshal Rony Balthazar Lopez said, “I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Wilmington Hispanic Parade. Today holds extraordinary significance for Delaware’s Latin and Hispanic communities. We are keenly aware of the immigrant strength that permeates this country, nurturing a multicultural society, and being able to celebrate our Hispanic traditions – especially between September 15 and October 15 – is truly wonderful.”
Former Delaware State Representative Michael Ramone and Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos also participated in the parade. Ramone expressed, “I am delighted to celebrate this event with Chief Campos. Witness the outstanding work he and his team do. 25 years into my involvement in this event, it has become an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our city – diversity that is both our strength and brings many challenges.”
He added, “As seen today, compatriots from all over the world, Americas, and Central and South America, have contributed significantly to Wilmington’s economy and community. Our police chief has shown extraordinary leadership – he is someone who has grown up in this community.”
Chief Campos said, “This is a festive moment, an annual event commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. I remember coming here often as a child, just a few streets away growing up. Now as police chief, being able to represent everyone coming back to their roots is indeed a great honor. So every year, this is a wonderful time for everyone to enjoy.”
Organized by Nuestras Raíces, the Fourth Street Festival is not only a celebration but also Delaware’s largest single-day community service event. The venue featured information booths and mobile clinics providing services such as addiction recovery, mental health support, immigration assistance, and free cancer screenings.
India Colon-Diaz, Vice Chair of Nuestras Raíces, emphasized that the event brings resources directly to African American and Hispanic communities, aiming to address long-standing inequality issues. The Delaware Department of Public Health also promoted health services to help uninsured residents access medical care.
The Wilmington Hispanic Parade in Delaware is the state’s largest cultural celebration, attracting over 2,000 participants annually. This 49-year-old traditional event marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the charm of community integration and diversity and serving as an important platform for community exchange.