BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A community rich in culture is preparing to welcome the return of a beloved tradition in their community. The bi-annual Hispanic Festival, BG Fiestaval hosted by Regional alliance of student and professionals, or RASP, is set to take place May 2-4 at 1200 Clay Street, marking its ninth consecutive year. RASP is a non-profit organization that focuses on the importance of Education in the Latino Community.
For many, this festival is more than just an event — it’s a part of their upbringing.
“Every year it’s been like a big part [of the community],” said Steven Rodriguez, a member of Las Damas De BG, a dance group performing in the celebration.
The event features traditional Mexican dances, authentic food, live performances, and cultural booths. It’s a space for the local Hispanic community to celebrate and share their heritage with the broader Bowling Green population.
“It’s a very fun way for us to show and express our culture and show the world a little bit of our side of Mexico,” said Jackie Steele, a longtime participant and member of Las Damas De BG.
Even those not new to the area find the experience of the event eye-opening and meaningful.
Event Coordinator Anita Parra said, “It’s the fact that it is an event that is held on the west side of Bowling Green, and there are a lot of people that have not come to the west side of Bowling Green. We have a lot of businesses, we have a lot of churches, we have a lot of kids walking around in our neighborhoods, and we wanted to open up this event and invite everybody in from Bowling Green so that they can see this part of town”
This year’s festival promises dancing, children’s activities, and a special treat: cake for moms on Sunday, May 4, in honor of Mother’s Day. Organizers say the community is welcome to attend for free and encouraged to take part in the celebration which happens twice a year; once in May and another in September.
