Fiesta Latina, now in its 14th year, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino culture this weekend in downtown Asheville. After being based at the WNC Ag Center for a couple of years, the spicy, colorful, family-friendly festivity found a new home at Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park last year. It will be held in the park again on Saturday, Oct. 13 from noon-8 p.m.
Events include raffles, the crowning of the king and queen del Pueblo and a dance contest (festival-goers are encouraged to sign up). Need inspiration for the dance-off? Check out performances by El Alma de la Luna (with 26 performers), Mexican Foloric Ballet of Asheville, Aztec dances by Danza Azteca Vieriato de Asheville and two local Mexican folk dance troupes.
Food vendors include Chorizo, Tacos Jalisco restaurant will be on hand. Snack on empanadas and treats from Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico.
But what event coordinator Elio Gonzalez is most excited about this year is the music. Locals Montuno and Grupo Fantasia take the stage. Bachata Flow (a Domincan group performing Bachata merengue) takes the stage, along with a Salsa band and a Peruvian folk group, both from Charlotte. Bachaco brings high-energy pop/rock/tropical sounds from Miami. And, closing out the event is Brooklyn’s Spanglish Fly, performing Cumbia, Bugaloo and Salsa.
The event is free. Note: Fiesta Latina is hosted by WNC Community Health Services this year and, in an effort to promote a healthy atmosphere, will be alcohol-free.
