More and more Latinos are making Downeast Maine their home as the Latino population in the United States continues to rise. Currently, Latinos make up one-fifth of the American population, and the U.S. Census predicts that this number will increase to one-fourth in the next 20 years.
Even though Maine has one of the smallest Latino populations in the country, it has seen a significant increase of nearly 75% since 2010. One reason for this growth is the presence of seasonal workers, many of whom come from the Mexican state of Michoacán. Instead of moving from place to place for different jobs, some of these workers have decided to settle down in Washington County.
On a Sunday afternoon in Cherryfield, around thirty people, mostly families with children, gathered at a small Catholic church. A team from Lewiston and Portland, including clergy and musicians, came to lead a monthly Spanish mass.
The mass attracted members of the growing Latino community in Washington County, like Salvador Zamora. His family came to Maine from Michoacán, Mexico, over ten years ago to work in the blueberry harvest. Speaking in Spanish, Zamora explained that he initially stayed for a few months, left for work in other states, but eventually returned to settle in Harrington, where he now works in carpentry and remodeling.
“I liked it,” Zamora said about Downeast Maine. “It’s quiet, and I liked the work opportunities.”
Others have also chosen to make Washington County their permanent home. According to the U.S. Census, the Latino population in the county has steadily increased to 869 people over the last decade.
Hermila Vargas, who has lived in Milbridge for 17 years, has witnessed this growth firsthand. She mentioned that many Hispanic people, including recent arrivals from Puerto Rico, have settled in the area. However, the majority, like her, are from Mexico.
As a mother of three, Vargas explained that she chose Milbridge because it is a good place to raise children, with plenty of places for them to play and go for walks. She described it as a safe and quiet place.
Some individuals, like José Ortiz from Michoacán, worked in the blueberry harvest for years, constantly moving from one job to another in different states. About six years ago, Ortiz decided it was time for a change. Tired of constant travel, he declared, “If they give me year-round work, I’ll stay here.” Now, he works at a fruit packing plant and lives year-round in Milbridge.
The Latino population in the entire state of Maine has grown to nearly 30,000 since 2010, marking a 75% increase. The highest concentration of Latino residents is found in Cumberland and York counties.
