A busy Saturday saw the continuation of Park City’s Latino Arts Festival. Plenty of music and dance showcased a large mix of cultures, including Chile, Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela.
As the day went on, visitors explored the event, getting food, refreshments and visiting the dozens of artist and vendor booths around the courtyard surrounding the stage and El Mercadito, a market experience introduced to the festival this year.
Pamela Echegaray, owner of La Cuna, a business that makes stainless steel jewelry in the shapes of different countries, said her experience at the festival has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees complimenting her work and expressing how meaningful it is to them.
She said she feels grateful that people can see themselves reflected in the product, noting that this sense of identification is a reward in itself.
Echegaray said the diversity of the festival audience reflects a sense of unity despite differences. She emphasized the importance of community support, especially for small businesses, many of which rely on events like the festival as their primary source of income.
“By supporting small businesses, you’re supporting a family behind it,” she said.
Jazmin Martinez, a multidisciplinary artist who is also part of this year’s Mercadito, said she has enjoyed the market’s atmosphere, being able to walk around and see all kinds of things. Her booth, front and center of the Mercadito entrance, showcased her work of different mediums and sizes.
“I’m inspired by my Mesomerican heritage,” she said, which can be seen in the variety of works like paintings, block prints, murals and drawings.
Lively music kept attendees moving throughout the day, but when Carnaval de Barranquilla took the stage, the energy turned up a notch. At the end of their performance, dancers came off the stage into the crowd, inviting sitting bodies to stand and join them in dance.
The audience obliged and the grassy lawn filled with movement. Kids and adults formed a conga line wrapping around the field in front of the stage.
Ramon Ramos — who has participated in the festival for the past three editions — danced with one of his large paper mache “Catrinas,” colorful dolls traditionally used for Dia de Los Muertos, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The festival ends Sunday at Canyons Village, with the final performance at 4:30 p.m.
