Festival Latino in Columbus
Musica - Cultura - Fiesta

The Festival Latino in Columbus is one of the most colorful festivities of the year in our fine city! You'll find vivacious music, high-spirited crowds, dancing in the streets, workshops in culture and art for the adults and kids! I wouldn't dare forget to mention the awesome Latin American cuisine!

Dates: August 15 and 16, 2009 from 11AM to 8PM
Location: Genoa Park, Downtown Columbus
Admission is Free.

2009 Festival Latino Press Release

FESTIVAL LATINO TO CONTINUE IN 2009

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) will present Festival Latino. The long-running festival, previously presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, was recently discontinued as part of City budget cuts; however, this change enables the largest Hispanic event in Ohio to return in 2009.

"I’ve called on all our residents to step up during these difficult times, and CAPA has answered the call," said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "I thank the board and staff of CAPA for allowing Columbus to continue to enjoy Festival Latino at a time when public dollars are scarce."

"When the City approached us about the festival, we were thrilled to be in a position to respond," stated CAPA Board President Mike Petrecca. "We are honored to present the 14th annual Festival Latino and look forward to bringing the best of traditional and contemporary Latin-American culture to Columbus."

The 2009 Festival Latino will return to Genoa Park, but will move to Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16, from 11am-8pm each day. Admission will be free. The festival will feature Ohio-based Latino bands and dance companies, as well as national music acts which reflect the diversity of central Ohio’s Latin audiences. The festival will continue to provide a variety of family entertainment and delicious Latin cuisine. American Family Insurance will return as presenting sponsor for the event.

"We consider it a privilege to sponsor Festival Latino again in 2009," said Louis Besses of American Family Insurance. "The festival's continued dedication to and enrichment of the Latino community are just some of the reasons why we come back every year."

The festival will be coordinated by a steering committee of local Hispanic leaders to help shape the festival and ensure its success.

"Festival Latino has brought great music, great food, and a diverse audience to downtown Columbus for many years," stated Luis Alcalde, chair of the Festival Latino steering committee. “The steering committee is grateful and excited that Festival Latino will continue, and with the help and dedication of its members, will make certain this will be a truly great event.”

To share a suggestion or comment about Festival Latino with the steering committee, members of the community can call (614)719-6744 or send an email to festival@capa.com

Additional details will be announced as available.

The Festival Latino in Columbus started in 1996 as a way to provide the community with a chance to learn and experience contemporary and traditional culture through performances, visual arts, authentic cuisine and learning workshops.

It's the largest Hispanic-Latino event in the state of Ohio. What started as a 5 hour project in 1996 is now a 2 day event!

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets for lawn seating. Coolers, chairs, tents, pets, and umbrellas are not permitted. For rain policies and additional rules, visit www.FestivalLatino.net.

Continuing the 14-year tradition, Festival Latino will bring the rich tastes and traditions of Latin America to Columbus. Festival-goers can dance to live music, taste authentic foods, shop the Marketplace for arts and crafts, and learn about health, education and employment opportunities available in the community.

Enjoy the authentic cuisine from Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and El Salvador. Relax and enjoy lunch while the local musicians fill the air with music.

Walking through the Marketplace, you'll find handmade arts and crafts, pottery and much more.

The children's area features activities for kids and families to do hands-on projects. Children can explore hands-on activities and create traditional Latin American crafts.

Employment and educational areas will be set up, as well as community and wellness areas. They feature bilingual information on opportunities available from various companies and organizations.

Performances by traditional dancers are always a pleasure. The beautiful colors and costumes enhance the pure enjoyment of watching traditional dance. From adults to children, you won't want to miss this. The dance competitions are not only fun, but what great dancing you'll see there also.

I hope to see you at the Festival Latino in Columbus!