Hispanic Heritage Month got underway in Stratford Friday morning with a flag-raising ceremony outside Town Hall.

"Our Hispanic citizens are a huge part of our community, and we just want to recognize them," says Mayor Laura Hoydick.

The celebrations continue Sunday when the town's annual Latin music festival will be held on the Paradise Green from 12-6 p.m.

The festival is hosted by the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee. The committee's founder says the festival started out as a small event but has transformed into an event attended by thousands.

"We have people dancing and eating, celebrating with friends. They have their own picnic, it's fantastic what happens at the green," says Gladys Ramos.

Proceeds benefit the committee's college scholarship fund.

"We are involved in education. We want to raise funds to give scholarships to encourage families and students to be better," says Ramos.