El Pueblo hosted the 13th annual “La Fiesta Del Pueblo,” the largest Latin American Cultural Festival in the Carolinas, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday.
Upon paying the minimal $2 fee and entering the gate, La Fiesta may have at first looked like the State Fair, but upon closer investigation, the food stalls were empty of blooming onions and turkey legs — instead offered a blend of traditional Latin American eats and fair favorites.
Also, everything was in Spanish as well as English.
Joel Morales, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, and Oscar Faria, a senior in Japanese and chemical engineering, played a set on the Cafe Teatro stage on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a positive event for Latinos,” Morales said. “It’s a fun event, we come every year.”
The theme of cultural integration was prevalent throughout the event. During the opening ceremony, Congressman David Price gave a short speech which included his views on immigration policy and his appreciation of Latin American culture.
“The reason I come… is because this event is an example of your hospitality,” Price said, “[La Fiesta is] one of the main events in the Triangle we look forward to each year. It gets bigger and better each year.”
Price paused his speech intermittently to allow an interpreter to translate his words into Spanish. In fact, all the speakers spoke twice (once in English and once in Spanish) or had an interpreter.
The speeches gave way to a myriad of musical performances on the multiple stages. The musicians reflected the variety of Latin American culture in their styles.
Aside from the food, entertainment and vendors, La Fiesta also had many booths geared towards education and advocacy. Lowes had a booth where they taught children basic carpentry. Various health services companies had booths contrasting common medicines with candies to avoid mistakes, explaining the risks of diabetes and encouraging responsibility when drinking, among others.
Multiple employers — five police departments included — were also present as well as the Mexican consul. Overall, the event provided the participants with a full stomach, a satisfied ear and an informed mind whether your language is Spanish or English.
Zulayka Santiago, executive director of El Pueblo, said that the event is a “great opportunity for the community to come together,” and helped in El Pueblo’s “mission of cross-cultural understanding.”
The event averaged over 40,000 participants each of the last three years, according to Santiago.
“We will continue to fulfill our mission of reaching out to the Latino community,” she said.
El Pueblo is a North Carolina nonprofit statewide advocacy and public policy organization dedicated to strengthening the Latino community. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at www.elpueblo.org.
