Tauranga’s first Latin American Spring Festival is on this Saturday, September 20, from 11am-11.30pm at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre at Memorial Park – and everyone is welcome!
Festival spokesperson Yasna Concha said the festival is a full day – from 11am to 11pm – packed with cultural music, food and colourful dances from countries throughout Latin America.
“More than 20 artists will perform, showcasing music and dance from all over Latin America – including Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil,” Concha said.
“Performers include DJ Gamma, Casa Puchero, Tauranga’s Kunza Chilean Dance group, Tierra Viva, Arakpachitas, Takiri, Los Pukekos, Frente Sudaka, Don Jose Leon, DJ Rama, Fizzi Whale, DAGA, Oleaje and Pulso Sur.
“Also, children of different nationalities from NZ schools will perform in the Fuse Drumming New Zealand group.”
Tauranga’s Kunza Chilean dance group – men at back from left: Claudio Riquelme, Cristian Flores, Patricio Vera; and women in front from left: Nicol Huala, Sophia Villegas, Steph Lockwood, Andrea Campos and Yasna Concha. Photo / Brydie Thompson
For two years, Concha said Tauranga’s Chilean community had held a La Fonda festival, a traditional celebration for Chilean Independence Day in September.
“But this year the festival has changed – and is open to all people of the Latin American countries [in Tauranga], so they all have the opportunity to celebrate.”
Most Latin American countries celebrate independence days around the same time, September-October, said Concha, who added the festival would also welcome the arrival of spring. Kiwis are welcome to attend to learn and celebrate Latin American cultures too.
Concha said the festival is a family-friendly event during the day, with special traditional games, prizes and activities for all ages to enjoy.
“We’ll have something for everyone, and kids are welcome to stay and celebrate with us until 8pm,” Concha said.
“Traditional Latin American games include what Kiwis know as musical chairs, tug-of-war and sack races,” Concha said.
“Most of the festival will take place indoors, so you can enjoy all the fun regardless of the weather. There will be live music, DJs, a kids’ area, and many activities on offer.”
Delicious ethnic food will include empanadas, churros, Argentinian barbecue, Brazilian pastries, meat dishes from Uruguay and more.
Concha said the festival would also have market stands featuring crafts, soaps, jewellery and clothing of Latin American styles, plus stalls to learn about Latin American countries and cultures.
From 8pm the event will turn into an adult-only dance party with a live band.
Tauranga’s Kunza Chilean dancers Claudio Riquelme and Yasna Concha. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Concha said last year more than 900 people attended the La Fonda festival in Tauranga.
“We expect at least 1100 people at the Latin American Spring Festival this year.”
She said many Latin Americans live in the Bay of Plenty, and some will travel from Rotorua and as far away as Auckland for the festival. Plus, she invites Kiwis and all cultures to attend.
“Yes, 100% we would like everyone to come along – so they can see and share our life for one day.”
Tickets to Tauranga’s first Latin American Spring Festival this Saturday, September 20, from 11am-11.30pm at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre at Memorial Park, can be purchased for $20 plus a booking fee at: https://tinyurl.com/5x7xw69a