Syracuse, N.Y. — With empanadas, piña coladas and Colombian French fries in hand, people swayed to merengue and bachata Saturday in Clinton Square for the 23rd annual Syracuse Latino Festival.
Crowds filled the downtown plaza to enjoy live music, cultural performances and food.
Trucks lined the square, offering six different food and drink options. Ruby’s Colombian food truck, La Autentica and Callé Tropical served up empanadas, including cheesesteak, beef, chicken and cheese. Other vendors sold pork and rice dishes, chicken and other Latin specialties.
Beyond food, vendors sold clothing, jewelry and handmade soaps. One clothing vendor displayed shirts, hats and baby clothing decorated with the Puerto Rican flag. She said she loves the festival because it allows her to represent her culture and see the Latino community come together.
Fanny Villarreal, executive director of Syracuse’s YWCA and a member of the festival committee, shared a similar sentiment.
“The whole idea for the festival is to bridge the gap in the community and bring everyone together,” Villarreal said. “The turnout gets better each year and we’re just very excited to keep offering more.”
Villarreal said additional money for musicians helped boost attendance this year. The weather, which stayed in the high 80s, also kept people outside all day.
Throughout the afternoon, people gathered to listen to music and socialize. But when performers like Carlitos Garcia, Susana Santander, Mayri and DJ Lorenz took the stage, many in the crowd jumped to their feet to dance.
The Salt City Salseras and other dance groups also performed. They had the audience clapping as pairs joined in with salsa steps.
At one point, Villarreal grabbed the microphone to announce raffle winners, drawing excitement from the crowd.
Cultural booths in the center of the square represented countries including Cuba, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Each booth showcased national flags, colors, foods and clothing.
The Argentina tent displayed soccer jerseys and portraits of the late Pope Francis. Nearby, the Puerto Rican tent featured palm tree decorations, flags and informational pamphlets.
Maria Fanning, who came to dance and spend time with the community, said the festival is one of her favorite events.
“I always meet new people here and build my community,” Fanning said. “I get to meet people from outside my neighborhood who I never would have met without this festival.”
Even after sunset, people filled the square and cruised downtown waving Puerto Rican flags from cars and motorcycles.
From the music and food to the cultural booths and flags, the festival offered a snapshot of Central New York’s diversity and a celebration of how Syracuse’s Latino community continues to grow and thrive together.
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