Plano to host DFW International’s Fiesta Latinoamericana

by Staff of DFW International

DFW International Community Alliance is proud to present the 3rd Annual Fiesta Latinoamericana! on Saturday April 18, 2009 at the Oak Point Park in east Plano. Fiesta Latinoamericana! is sponsored by BBVA Compass Bank, the City of Plano, State Farm Insurance, Univision 23, Univision Radio, and Al Dia. This program is also made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Entrance fee is $1 per person. Food will be available for purchase, and coolers, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome.

The cultural festival will feature 70 organizations and dance and music ensembles from 18 nations of the Americas, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, and Honduras. Fiesta Latinoamericana! will showcase the music, traditional arts, culture, foods, sports and games, and heritages of the diverse Latino community members within the North Texas.

A menu of interactive and hands-on activities revive vibrant artistic traditions. Adults and children can sample and experience more than seventy workshops that educate, delight and entertain, through Latin American cultural experiences that include:

Dance Workshops: salsa, meringue, bachata, hip hop, tango, folklorico from Mexico and Chile and Argentina and Spain

Traditional Arts and Crafts Workshops: papel picado, ojo de dios, guayuros, penachos aztecas, mascaras incaicas

Traditional Games Workshops: bochas, soccer ball tricks, el sapo, cubilete, capoeira

Music Workshops: guiro, charango, cuatro, tambores, harpa

In addition, on the amphitheater stage twenty five Latino performing arts groups will present dances and live music, including a grand finale by the Mariachi Los Reyes de Dallas. A Parade of Nations will open and close the festival.

Scott Flowers, Dallas City President for BBVA Compass says “BBVA Compass is part of an international financial group with a strong presence in Latin America and Spain. We believe it is important to promote a better understanding of global cultures and celebrate diversity. We are committed to fostering strong relationships in the Hispanic community. We are proud to extend our support for the DFW International Community Alliance by sponsoring this year’s Fiesta Latinoamericana!, an event that celebrates Hispanic culture, food and music.”