Festival celebrates Latin culture

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on July 9, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Patricia Hernandez serves up an El Salvadorian dish during Latin Fest on Saturday at Galt Gardens.

Latin Fest allowed attendees to experience its culture in different ways on Saturday at Galt Gardens.

“Latin fest is a great way to celebrate Latin culture, but also (to) get to know the Latin community that’s in Lethbridge,” said Anastasia Sereda, Southern Alberta Ethnic Association executive director.

Sereda said the Latin community is growing.

“Some of our groups kind of got smaller during the pandemic or sort of stopped,” said Sereda “But now they are getting bigger, probably bigger than ever before for some of them and people are just really excited to showcase and share their culture.”

Attendees could experiences all-day performances from bands, singers, dancers as well as Zumba, piñatas for kids, bouncy castles and six Latin food vendors.

Food vendors ranged from Honduran, El Salvadorian, Mexican and Colombian to name a few.

“I think the turn out’s pretty good actually,” said Sereda.

“I think we have about 1,000 people that have come through at least and we’re not even halfway through.”

“It’s quite nice,” said Marlene Diaz.

“The food is incredible and the music and the weather is beautiful.”

Javier Hernandez was serving authentic El Salvadorian food.

“We really enjoy when the people get to know the food and they buy it and they enjoy it and they like it and to hear (the) positive comments about it.”

Hernandez says she loves to see the people at Latin Fest, especially when they come and talk about the food, ethnicity and where they come from.

“I like to enjoy it with people and the music,” said Hernandez.