WARREN, MI (9-19-26) – Music, cultural dancing, traditional foods and community pride filled the Warren City Hall Atrium Saturday as residents gathered for the city’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

The family-friendly event brought together residents, local businesses, vendors, performers and community leaders for an afternoon recognizing the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Warren Mayor Lori M. Stone and State Rep. Veronica Paiz were among the public officials who addressed those attending the celebration.

Stone also issued a mayoral proclamation recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Warren.

The Spanish-language proclamation recognized Hispanic heritage as a diverse mosaic of cultures, languages, traditions and experiences representing communities from across the Americas and around the world.

It also recognized Warren’s Hispanic and Latino community as an important and valued part of the city, contributing to the vitality of its neighborhoods, businesses, schools, workplaces, civic organizations and cultural life.

The proclamation emphasized that strong neighborhoods are built through mutual respect, shared responsibility and a commitment to serving one another.

It encouraged residents of every background to learn about, appreciate and celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures and traditions while developing greater understanding and respect among neighbors.

Saturday’s celebration brought that message to life through a program of music and dance representing several Hispanic and Latino cultural traditions.

Entertainment included Chinelos dancers, bachata dancers from Centro Cultural Hispano, Peruvian folklore dancers, ballet folklórico dancers and Mariachi Band 2020.

Bill O’Brien of Strangers No Longer also participated in the program. The organization works to bring people together in support of immigrants and stronger, more welcoming communities.

The performances gave those attending an opportunity to experience the music, clothing, movement and traditions represented by communities from Mexico, Peru and other parts of Latin America.

Traditional foods added another cultural element to the afternoon, while local vendors and businesses connected with residents inside the City Hall Atrium. Face painting and children’s activities provided additional opportunities for families to participate.

The celebration was presented with the involvement of the Warren Cultural Commission and Michigan State University Extension.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally from September 15 through October 15. The month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose families came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Warren’s proclamation also recognized that celebrating cultural differences while acknowledging shared values helps strengthen the entire community.

The city expressed pride in the diversity of its residents and affirmed that Warren reaches its greatest potential when everyone has an opportunity to contribute, participate and prosper.

Saturday’s gathering provided residents with an opportunity to celebrate those contributions while learning more about the traditions, food, music and cultural experiences represented within Warren’s Hispanic and Latino communities.