Members of the Latin Festival committee prepare for the event on May 2
Chattanooga State’s Office of International Outreach will host Chattanooga’s First Latin Festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 2 in Highland Park, "one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chattanooga," officials said.
Latin Festival 2015 is designed as a fundraising event to support Chattanooga State’s Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs that have been offered in Highland Park since 2001. A goal of the event is to connect the local Latino community with the broader Chattanooga community. Chattanoogans of all backgrounds and cultures are invited to join the festivities where southern hospitality meets Latin flair. Admission to the event is free.
With the spirit of a Caribbean carnival, the festival will provide fun and multicultural experiences for all ages. Authentic food and crafts from local residents and vendors will be available for purchase. Latin Festival 2015 celebrates the diversity of cultures in the local Latino community and beyond, while offering an opportunity to showcase the differences within the 24 countries represented.
Although the festival kicks off on May 2, the first Latin-American Soccer Cup begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1 and continues at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, preceding the opening ceremony and Parade of Nations scheduled at 11 a.m.
Officials said, "Throughout the day, visitors to the event may enjoy face painting, piñatas, puppet shows, games and viewing South-American animals. Adjacent to the main stage, the Passport to Latin-American Challenge encourages participants to learn about 24 Latin countries. Representatives from each country will stamp their “passport” and the first 500 registered participants will receive goodie bags with sponsor provided items. All are welcome to visit these booths and connect with the local network of Cultural Ambassadors that represent each country."
In the educational area, guests may learn more about the STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), and visit nonprofit, government, health care, and legal agency booths.
International music and dance performances on the main stage include Carlos Colon and his Tropical Swing Band, Dance Brasil, Samantha Bautista, Association Peru-Chattanooga, CLILA, Sandra Onal, Connie Sweeney & Luz Bohorquez, Fuentes Culturales, Antonio McMath, Marilin Perez, Kristin Hale Salva, and Instituto CanZion. The Faith Pavilion stage will have Christian performances from local Hispanic congregations.
Rounding out the day at 3:45 p.m. will be the Soccer Tournament Awards and a closing ceremony on the main stage.
Leadership grant support has been provided by Benwood, Maclellan, Causeway and Footprint foundations. Corporate sponsors include EPB, TVA, The Pulse, Noticias Libres, BCBS of TN Community Trust, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A of Brainerd Village, Chattanooga Zoo, Buy Here Pay Here, City of Chattanooga, Cricket, YMCA, SunTrust Mortgage, and Erlanger.
For more information about Latin Festival, contact Gladys Pineda-Loher at gladys.pineda-loher@chattanoogastate.edu or call 423-697-3204.