The Kalamazoo Latinx Festival was a vibrant celebration of the Latino community, filled with delicious food, lively music, and rich culture. Hosted by local nonprofit El Concilio, the festival took place at Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Hundreds of people gathered at the festival grounds to enjoy the festivities and support Latino businesses.
Celestina Robles, the Administrative Coordinator of El Concilio, described the Latinx Festival as a day to recognize and celebrate the Latino community. The goal was to provide everyone with a glimpse into the authentic ways in which Latinos celebrate their heritage. Robles expressed her delight in seeing so many Latino businesses coming together in one space, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the community.
Vendors at the festival offered a wide variety of products with ties to the Latinx culture. Traditional foods like elotes (grilled corn on the cob), Brazilian churros (sweet fried dough), tortas (Mexican sandwiches), tacos, horchata (a milky beverage), and mangonada (a frozen mango treat) delighted visitors’ taste buds. Additionally, various vendors sold Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) skulls and statues of biblical figures like Jesus and Mary.
One of the highlights of the festival was a lowrider car competition, where proud car owners showcased their classic and custom cars. Luis Herrera, the owner of a stunning 1964 Chevy named Perfect 10, expressed his hopes for the lowrider community in Kalamazoo to grow in the future.
Traditional Latinx music and dance performances added to the festive atmosphere of the day. It was a true celebration, bringing the community together for a joyous occasion. As Robles put it, the Latinx community simply loves to get together and have a good time, making every gathering feel like one big party.
For those interested in learning more about El Concilio and their impactful work, detailed information is available on their website at https://elconciliokzoo.org.
Overall, the Kalamazoo Latinx Festival was a resounding success. From the mouthwatering culinary delights to the captivating music and dance performances, it provided an enriching experience for all who attended. The festival showcased the unity, diversity, and cultural richness of the Latinx community in Kalamazoo.
