Fiesta Latina organizers last year drew a record crowd, estimated at 1,500 people — and attracted easily more than 500 in the first half hour alone amid the tunes of a spirited mariachi band.
“We received a lot of comments from people telling us, ‘This is great,’” said Luz Elena Michel, among the organizers of the event.
The latest version of the annual south-of-the-border-style celebration and street party — one focusing this year on Mexico and Venezuela — will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday along Fourth Street in downtown Columbus.
The upcoming fifth annual event with music, dance, food, arts and crafts, cultural information and more is hosted by Su Casa Columbus and the Community Education Coalition’s Latino Education and Outreach Program.
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Last year, some visitors said they came to eat. Others shopped for jewelry and the like. Still others loved the dance groups.
Several people mentioned that the event is a worthy one just for building bridges among various cultures and ethnicities in Bartholomew County. And they added that using such common items as music and food to do it serves as a joyous, nonthreatening way to connect people of different backgrounds.
The local event originally began as part of a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16, when Mexicans rose up against the government of Spain. The county population is 5.7 percent Latino, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures.
Today, the event’s cause includes giving children with Latino ancestry an opportunity to learn more about their roots and traditions, according to organizers.
Michel would like to see this year’s crowd grow. “I hope so,” she said. “I really hope so.”
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What: Fifth annual Fiesta Latina, celebrating Hispanic culture of Mexico and Venezuela this year.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Both ends of Fourth Street in downtown Columbus.
Admission: Free
Information: Facebook page for Fiesta Latina
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