Airdrie’s Latin community came together with residents from across the region over the weekend for Latin Fest, an annual celebration aimed at sharing Latin American culture, food and traditions with the wider community.
Lore Perez, president of the Latins in Airdrie Society, said the event grew out of an earlier celebration called Viva Mexico that began before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perez, who is originally from Mexico, said the goal was to share her own culture at first, but that vision grew as she connected with more people from across Airdrie.
“I’m like, we can do better than this,” Perez said.
Following the pandemic, Perez founded the Latins in Airdrie Society, initially organizing events with help from her family. The society has since grown to include members from several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Peru and El Salvador.
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Sharing Latin culture
This year’s Latin Fest was held at Inspire, where attendees could take in performances, food, crafts and other cultural displays.
Two food trucks served tacos and lemonade, while vendors inside offered Colombian and Venezuelan food and products from Peru. Calgary artist Yiyo also attended the event and created alebrijes, colourful Mexican folk-art sculptures.
Perez said the event was designed to be inclusive of the entire community, not just those with Latin American backgrounds.
“It’s for Latin people, but not only for Latin people,” she said. “It goes more than that.”
The festival allowed attendees to experience Latin American food, music, dance, colours and folklore, with performers also interacting with the crowd. There were also all kinds of different children’s activities.
Perez said a Zumba performance helped set the tone for the event, describing it as a dynamic start to the festivities.
Growing regional interest
Perez said this year’s festival drew more people than last year’s event, with many attendees coming from Calgary.
She said attracting visitors from outside Airdrie was one of her goals when the society began organizing the events.
“I was just always thinking why Airdronians have to always go to Calgary, visit Calgary for events like this,” Perez said. “And just having the opportunity to start something and have Calgary coming to visit us is just a huge step for me.”
The festival also attracted several notable guests, including Airdrie Heather Spearman, Coun. Chad Stewart, the Mexican and Colombian consuls from Calgary and Alberta’s assistant minister of multiculturalism.
Perez said the presence of the officials was an encouraging sign of growing support for the society and its events.
Looking ahead
Perez hopes Latin Fest will return next year, although she said continued support from the city will be important.
The Latins in Airdrie Society is also encouraging residents to get involved, whether by sharing their own Latin American culture, bringing forward ideas or joining the organization’s board.
“This is a community, from the community to the community,” Perez said.
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