The 5^th Annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta was a huge success and our biggest one yet!  Over 600 diverse participants enjoyed a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon of live music, traditional dances, delicious food, an art exhibit, Health Fair, and kids’ activities.

This year, we closed two blocks of downtown Siler City and held our first parade of traditional Latin American outfits! The parade was led by the amazing giant puppets of Folkloric Group Flor y Canto, followed by adults and children dressed in traditional clothing, and closed by the stunning indigenous dance group Azteca Tonathzin. They paraded down Chatham Avenue toward the stage at the Courtyard Café.

More photos and videos on our Facebook page

We hosted 42 information booths from non-profits, governmental agencies, businesses and craft vendors. Other new activities included Niñolandia, a tent for kids’ activities, and a Health Fair with 10 information booths from health service providers.

Folkloric dances were performed by three extraordinary dance groups – the young children and teens of Magetsi 4H Club of Sanford, teens and adults from Takiri Folclor Latino of Durham, and the indigenous dance group Azteca Tonathzin of Raleigh. There were also three musical groups – the talented and long-time friends of El Vínculo, Folkloric Group Flor y Canto from Raleigh, the soulful Alberto Zárraga from Raleigh, and Ancestor Piratas, led by Peruvian born singer, composer and artist Renzo Ortega of Carrboro. Renzo also displayed his paintings in the Arts Incubator gallery.

Fiesta was only possible thanks to the generous support of 35 sponsors and over 50 volunteers! A special thanks to the Courtyard Café, Siler City Arts Incubator, Downtown Music Series and the Town of Siler City for all their help. A huge thanks to our Fiesta Organizing Committee, which included community members and representatives from CCCC, CIS, Chatham Health Department and FVRC. A shout out to Elena Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Estrada for selling churros and popcorn to raise funds for El Vínculo. We could not have done it without all of you!

Our raffle was also a bit hit and the 4 winners were thrilled with their prizes – the first prize of $200 in cash went to a 12-year old Latinx boy from Siler City, a deliciously large chocoflan cake by Chef Elena Gonzalez was won by Karen Howard of Siler City, 4 day-passes to Shakori Hills Music Festival went to Brooke Simmons, and a $30 gift certificate to Los Compadres Restaurant was awarded to a Siler City resident.

Mil gracias to all!

Many thanks to our generous VIP Sponsors!