OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The Colombo Latino Festival marked its fourth year Sunday, bringing together food vendors, small businesses and members of Omaha’s Colombian community as the city observes Colombian Independence Day on Monday.
Festival grows from park to farm
Jorge Lopez started the festival four years ago, around the same time his fiancée and her mother opened Colombia Para Todos, a Colombian restaurant in Omaha.
The event, which began in a local park, has since expanded to Bellevue Berry Farm, where dozens of food stations and vendors were set up Sunday. Attendees also watched the World Cup Final at the event.
Community built around shared culture
Lopez said the festival serves as a platform for emerging vendors and small businesses.
“We’re living having new vendors that are just starting up their business, and we’re actually helping those small businesses to start building up,” Lopez said.
Paola, co-owner of Colombia Para Todos, said the restaurant was opened in part because the Colombian community in Omaha lacked a gathering place.
“There was nothing Colombian here. There was no Colombian people that we met, and we feel like the people. The community, the Colombian community did something around here. So, basically, it was like kind of sad for us that there was like nobody around here to do that,” Paola said.
Lopez described the experience of being without that community connection.
“It’s really hard to describe because you’re basically sitting there on your own,” Lopez said.
Restaurant fills a gap
Milena, also of Colombia Para Todos, said the response from customers has been emotional.
“Very very satisfying. It gets really really emotional because there are literally customers that when they see their food they literally cry because they’re so happy about having their food after so long time,” Milena said.
Lopez, who identifies as Mexican-Colombian, said the festival taps into something personal for attendees.
“It’s like basically bringing you back to your childhood, and you have one of those dishes that you haven’t had in a long time — like oh my goodness yes!” Lopez said.
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