In 2019, the fifth Annual Latin Festival not only changed locations, but seasons as well. Traditionally held each spring, the event was moved to September in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and relocated to the main campus of Chattanooga State Community College to provide a welcoming, accessible and convenient venue with plenty of free parking.
After a brief period of rain and a break from the heat, a steady flow of several thousand visitors made their way to the event throughout the day. The festival opened at 11 a.m. and kicked off with the traditional Parade of Nations led by Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Mayor Andy Berke, Chief David Roddy, and the Howard High School Marching Band, followed by representatives from Latin American countries dressed in festive attire from their country of origin.
A wide variety of delicious of Latin American food prepared by local vendors included tacos, arepas, nachos, empanadas, cachapas, tamales, ceviche, churros, enchilada style ribs, tortas, and more.
The live performances brought the Festival to life, made more complete with the traditional colorful costumes and authentic dances by youth and adult performers along with a bachata dance lesson that engaged the delighted crowd and was fun for all ages.
The event would not have been successful without the valuable contributions of sponsors: TVA, Cempa Community Cares, Bliones, BB&T, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cricket Wireless, Chattanooga Football Club, EPB, First Tennessee, La Paz Chattanooga, Medicare Misty* with Humana, Carnicerias Loa, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A of Brainerd Village, Coca-Cola UNITED Bottling Co., and the city of Chattanooga. A special thank you to the team of volunteers from EPB who went above and beyond to ensure that everything was ready for festival attendees and participants throughout the day.
Event proceeds benefit the Chattanooga State Latino Scholarship. For more information about sponsorship of the 2020 Latin Festival, call 697-3220 or email latinfestival@chattanoogastate.edu.