Hundreds of people gathered at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City to celebrate Latino heritage, traditions and community pride during the Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Families from across eastern North Carolina attended the event, which featured traditional dance, live music, food, local art and community resources. The festival also included vendors, a raffle and Hispanic Independence Day celebrations.
This year marked the fourth time the Union of the Latinos in eastern North Carolina has hosted the annual festival in Carteret County. Organizers said the event is meant to celebrate Hispanic culture while also connecting families with local agencies, resources and important community services.
“A celebration of our roots. And we feel very proud for what we bring to this community. And the community members because this is for them and for the whole community. Because we want to share our culture,” an organizer said.
Organizers said the festival gives the Latino community a chance to celebrate its culture while inviting everyone to take part, with a focus on building connections, sharing traditions and highlighting the contributions of Latino families throughout eastern North Carolina.
