Friday, October 16, 2026
Hempstead village celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with live Latino entertainment, cultural food and community honors at Kennedy Memorial Park. Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. and other vil- lage officials recognized Hispanic residents and students for their contributions to the community, including their work, businesses, traditions and community service at the Oct. 1 event. Melanie Orozco Lopez Dr. Xavier Rodriguez and keynote speaker Pastor Rolando Rosales were among the honorees.
The celebration highlighted families with roots in El Salvador, Honduras, Mex- ico and other Latin American countries while recognizing their cultural heritage and contributions to Hempstead. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 45.3 percent of Hempstead’s population, according to U.S. Census Bureau Quick- Facts. The village’s estimated population was 59,819 as of July 2025.
