Press release from Henderson County Tourism:
Bright colors, savory smells and rhythmic music fill Hendersonville’s Main Street Sunday, Sept. 23, for the third annual Fiesta Hendersonville. The street festival celebrates Latin American culture.
More than 20 Latin American countries will be represented. Through music, dance, food and art, attendees learn the nuances of Latin American culture and how it differs from one country to another. New this year, the festival will include a parade.
“In Henderson County and the surrounding area, we have Latinos from all over the world,” says Adriana Chavela, executive director of Hola Community Arts, which puts on the festival. “It’s nice to have an event where you can learn about everybody’s different cultures and languages. We all celebrate differently.”
Food is a universal language that often provides a window into different cultures. Fiesta Hendersonville includes Latin American delicacies, such as pupusas from El Salvador; empanadas from Argentina; and chicharrones, esquites and elotes from Mexico.
Music also plays a large role in the festival. Wanda Lopez, known as “the golden voice from Cuba,” will perform, along with Panama singer Liley Arauz and Latino group Banda Zagar. The International Dance Academy will present a folklore ballet. Many festival dances welcome the public to step up and join in the fun.
“The festival is open to everybody,” Chavela says. “We want to educate our neighbors about Latino culture, and we want them to enjoy taking part in the food, music and community.”
Hours for Fiesta Hendersonville are noon to 8 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. To learn more about the event, go to www.HolaCommunityArts.org. For more information about downtown Hendersonville, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. org or call (800) 828-4244.
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