Politics can’t be separated from celebration for Hispanics

In a recent Naperville Sun article about the Naperville Sister Cities Foundation’s Hispanic Festival, titled “Forget politics; let’s just enjoy art and culture at Naperville Hispanic Fest, organizer says,” the call to separate politics from celebration was highlighted.

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, that statement deserves a response. To suggest we “forget politics” while celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture is to ignore the lived realities of the very people whose heritage is being honored.

When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can target neighbors because of how they look, the jobs they hold or the language they speak, that is political. When our community is criminalized for doing the very work that keeps this country running, that is political. And when our celebrations take place under the threat of deportation, even music and dance become acts of resistance.

You cannot enjoy the food, music and art while overlooking the struggles of the people who create them. Culture and community are inseparable. Our celebrations and silences reveal the kind of community we are building

Our celebrations must go beyond parades and festivals. Honoring the contributions, resilience and traditions of Hispanic and Latino people also means confronting the discrimination and intimidation our communities continue to face. In Naperville, we have seen progress: more cultural events, more Latino voices in leadership, more neighbors celebrating. These gains matter, yet visibility is not the same as justice.

That is why words like “forget politics” are harmful. For many Latino and Hispanic families, politics is lived reality. It is parents fearing separation from their children. It is workers exploited while called “essential.” It is young people navigating classrooms where their culture is misunderstood. To dismiss these realities is to minimize our struggles and our strength.

Yes, let us enjoy the music, food and art that bring us pride and joy. Let us also recognize that celebration alone is not enough. Celebration opens the door; action keeps us moving forward. Each of us has a role to play: sharing accurate information, mentoring future generations, showing up for community events, or standing with our neighbors when it matters most.

So if you support heritage events, ask yourself: What are you supporting? Are you celebrating a culture while ignoring the struggles of its people, or standing with us in both joy and justice?

Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS) Board of Directors Lili Burciaga, Diana Torres Hawken, Cynthia Castillo, Elizabeth Navarro, Guillermo Pedroni

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/18/letters-naperville-hispanic-heritage-almas/