One of the Latin cultural festivals The most iconic festival in North Carolina is coming to Charlotte starting at noon on Saturday, September 21, when the Latin American Coalition (LAC) will bring back the 34th edition of the Latin American Festival.
This year, the festival, which is free, will feature representatives from 19 countries who will showcase the best of their food, music and folklore. Attendees from adults to children will be able to spend an afternoon full of entertainment and fun.
The event will not only be part of the Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and closes on October 15, but for the second year it is also part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) , which is organized by “Blumenthal Arts”, from September 13 to 29 in different venues around the Queen City.
Purpose that has been maintained for decades
The festival will be held this year at a new site, in the “Ballantyne's Backyard” south of Charlotte, with a purpose that has been maintained for more than three decades, which is to “celebrate the vibrant Latin culture, music and diversity” that resides in North Carolina.
Edwin Gil, the organization's development director, said that the Latin American Coalition was founded in November 1990, but before signing the papers to establish the organization, there were groups of people from different countries who met, led by Pastor Negrin, to celebrate together the traditions of the different countries.
“They did it so that their children would continue the tradition. Thirty-four years later, the Latin American Festival continues to carry on this same tradition and continues to show the culture of all of Latin America, not only to Charlotte, but to all the people who come from everywhere,” Gil said during a recent event at the organization’s headquarters.
Related: Latin American Festival highlights Latin culture and exceeds attendance expectations
New activities for children
Maria Fernanda Robles, event organizer for the organization, told Enlace Latino NC , that this year the festival will have new children's activities, with the idea of giving more prominence to the little ones.
Robles said they will be incorporating interactive and cultural activities with musical instruments so that children can dance to the children's music. They will also be able to make a piñata with the help of the Coalition's "Girl Scouts" and they will be able to play Mexican lottery.
“This year we have the concept of cultural transmission, where children will play games like the ones we played as children in our countries of origin,” said Robles.
One of the most innovative activities consists of giving a passport to each child at the Latin American Plaza to motivate them to visit the stands of each country.
“There, the leaders of each country will teach them and explain a musical instrument or a typical toy and then they will stamp their passport so they can go to another country. Once they have completed the passport, they take it to a box and they will be able to participate in prize draws,” explained Robles.
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The Latin American Plaza
The essence of the various nations participating in the festival can be enjoyed in the grand Latin American Plaza with its “cultural villages” representing various countries, offering attendees the opportunity to explore images, musical instruments, sweets and more, immersing themselves and learning about the unique cultures, customs and traditions of each country.
The festival will feature representatives from 19 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
Typical food and much more
Robles said that people will have different options of food, drinks and typical sweets from countries such as: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru and El Salvador with its famous pupusas.
Related: The 35th edition of the Charlotte Latin American Festival is a success.
Festival with Presentations by international and local artists
The Latin American Coalition quotes on its website: “This year, we are excited to present two incredible stars: Dominican sensation Eddy Herrera and Ecuadorian artist Juan Fernando Velasco. Their performances will undoubtedly add to the electrifying atmosphere of the festival.”
Eddy Herrera , is known for his energetic merengue hits like “Carolina” and “Pegame Tu Vicio.” Eddy's music is a staple of Latin celebrations around the world.
Herrera is a 7-time Cassandra Award winner and was awarded the Latin Grammy for Best Merengue and Bachata Album in 2020.
Juan Fernando Velasco , famous for his moving ballads such as “A Tu Lado” and “Chao Lola”.
The organization says on its website that Velasco’s performances are a blend of emotional depth and musical excellence. “His dynamic and captivating performances are sure to be a highlight of the festival, bringing the best of Latin American music to our community,” it says.
The organization notes that Velasco “is the most prominent pop artist of the last 25 years” in his country.
On the other hand, attendees will be able to see on stage how professional dancers and local groups will perform traditional dances such as tango, zamba, Chilean cueca, and the dance of the Quetzalcoatl Warriors, among others.
Prior registration is required for attendees
Gil commented that this year they have a goal of attracting at least 15,000 people, but they require people to pre-register through a link to receive free admission.
“This registry will help us to keep in touch with the people who register and to know the exact number of people who came to the festival. At the entrance there will be two ways to register, but doing it in advance will make it easier to get in,” he said.
Gil mentioned that once he entered the link , it is chopped “Donate & Tickets” , and that there is no need to donate since it is voluntary, you just enter the data and click on "continue" , to receive the ticket by email, whether as an individual or a family group. The free ticket received by mail must be presented to enter the event.
Covered parking
As for parking, which is free, Gil said there are several buildings with covered parking on site, and there will be volunteers guiding visitors.
“It is important to park as directed to avoid having your car towed,” he warned.
As you should know before attending at the festival
What will be allowed: Blankets, towels, folding chairs, baby strollers.
What will be banned: Liquor, open containers of any kind, glass containers, bicycles, small coolers, food and beverages, pets (except certified service animals), drones, umbrellas.
*Proceeds from liquor sales at the event will go to support the Latin American Coalition.
34th Latin American Festival
Date: Saturday September 21
Opening hours: 12: 00 pm to 9: 00 pm
Where: Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd. Charlotte.
*Free entrance and parking
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