Festival Latino began as a five-hour pilot project by the City of Columbus in 1996. Now hosted by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), the event fills two days with music, food, dancing, cultural and arts workshops for children, adults and more.
This year, it’s growing again — not in duration, but in area.
To help meet the increasing demand for more sponsors, community resources and food and market vendors, the festival will expand from Genoa Park and across the Rich Street Bridge.
This weekend, the annual celebration is marking its 27th year bringing together the diverse groups that make up Columbus’ Latino community to share their cultures with each other and the community at large.
“The Latino community is an important part of Columbus, and it deserves recognition,” said Chad Whittington, CEO and president of CAPA.
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“Festival Latino is a great opportunity not only for the Latino community around the region to celebrate together, but for others to go and experience the many aspects of Latino and Hispanic culture. It’s really a celebration for the entire community.”
If you’re in a celebratory mood, then grab a blanket or lawn chair and vámonos to Festival Latino! Before you go, here are a few things you need to know.
When and where will Festival Latino take place?
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Genoa Park.
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How much is admission?
Festival Latino is free to attend.
What’s on tap for entertainment?
At 11 a.m. both days, Derek Amaya (aka DJ Cale), will open the entertainment lineup on the Fiesta Stage. Born in Honduras and raised in Queens, Amaya has been serving the Columbus Latino community for more than 20 years. Owner of The Cave Bar & Lounge, a multicultural hub for music enthusiasts, he was named the first “padrino” (godfather) of the Hispanic Heritage Parade 2023 by the City of Columbus.
The Fiesta Stage also will feature:
Saturday
- 1:15 p.m. — Ale Almanza is originally from Colombia and lived in Mexico before settling in Columbus. She received the Musical Artist of the Year Award at this year’s Hispanic Business Awards and is currently promoting a new unreleased single, “Adivina Que.”
- 2:45 p.m. — Chupeta de Ajo, Tributo al Rock en Espanol features Columbus-based Venezuelan singer, songwriter and musician Víctor Zancudo and his band covering Spanish-language rock songs.
- 4:15 p.m. — La Nueva Estrategia continues to reach new audiences with their regional Mexican music, which includes the hits “Lo dice el corazón” and “Amores van y vienen.” The group is touring the U.S. and Mexico in support of their latest album, “Parrandeando Con La Nueva Estrategia.”
- 6:30 p.m. — With a career spanning five decades, Puerto Rican salsa icon Tony Vega continues to enthrall audiences with his distinctive vocals, soulful melodies and infectious rhythms.
Sunday
- 1:15 p.m. — Golpe de Estado is a young, modern band that performs “tumbado,” an offshoot of the broad Mexican regional genre. Their recently released debut single, “Hipnotizado,” is available on all digital platforms and has been met with enthusiastic acclaim.
- 2:45 p.m. — Founded by a father and son with a passion for traditional Mexican music, Romero Norteño has risen to popularity in the local Spanish music scene. Their unique sound is characterized by the use of accordion, bajo quinto, bass and drums.
- 4:15 p.m. — As an ’80s pop and R&B diva, Brenda K. Starr’s hits included the No. 1 ballad, “I Still Believe.” As a superstar of salsa music, her successful albums include “Te Sigo Esperando” and “Quedate.”
- 6:30 p.m. — Héctor Acosta, popularly known as “El Torito,” (“The Little Bull”) is known for his ability to effortlessly switch between styles such as merengue, bachata and bolero. This has endeared him to a broad audience both in his native Dominican Republic and internationally.
On Saturday and Sunday on the Dance Plaza, Angel Deejay will spin tunes, “The Salsa King of Ohio” Carlos Rubio will offer dance lessons and there will be performances by Salsamante Dance Academy of Columbus and Toledo-based dance company El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklórico.
What other attractions will there be?
The Festival Latino marketplace will include jewelry, arts, crafts and other traditional items from Latin America.
The Artists’ Showcase area will feature pieces for sale by Ohio-based Latino artists; local and regional authors’ work also will be available.
In the Community Wellness Resources area, local health and social-service organizations will offer free health screenings and community resources.
What if I get hungry?
Perhaps Whittington said it best: “If there’s something you want from a food perspective, you should be able to find it among the countries represented.”
Indeed. More than 30 vendors will satisfy your hunger with tasty eats ranging from authentic Ecuadorian cuisine to Mexican-Vietnamese fusion.
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Is alcohol allowed at Festival Latino?
Alcohol can be purchased at the event, but not brought into the event. Also, Festival Latino will not participate in Columbus’ Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). DORA cups will not be allowed onsite, and patrons will not be allowed to take alcohol bought at the festival offsite.
What’s the parking situation?
Paid parking for the public and persons with disabilities is available at COSI, 333 W. Broad St.; the Columbus Commons garage, 55 E. Rich St.; and nearby surface lots. Bicycle racks will be located at each festival entrance.
What if it rains?
The festival will go on as planned, rain or shine.
For more information about Festival Latino, visit festivallatino.net.
