The Iowa City Latino Festival, now in its 11th year, is set to celebrate diversity and unity within the thriving Latinx community in Iowa City. The event, which takes place this Saturday, will feature an array of music, dance, and food to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Latin America.
Manny Galvez, the founder and organizer of the Iowa City Latino Festival, originally moved to the United States from Mexico over two decades ago. Recognizing the need to highlight the cultural diversity within the Latinx community in Iowa City, Galvez felt compelled to organize the festival as a means of building bridges between different cultures and fostering a greater understanding.
Galvez believes that cultural experiences, such as trying different foods, listening to music, and witnessing traditional dances, allow for meaningful connections to be formed between people. By providing a platform for Latino culture to be celebrated, the festival aims to break down barriers and build a closer-knit community.
The festival, held in the downtown PedMall, aims to showcase the diversity among Latinx communities, acknowledging that there is more to Latin American culture than what meets the eye. This year, attendees can explore Latino culture by visiting 40 booths hosted by local Iowa vendors.
Highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses, Galvez encourages festival-goers to discover and patronize various family-owned enterprises throughout the event. By doing so, he believes that the festival can have a positive impact on the local economy.
The Iowa City Latino Festival will feature not only a wide variety of food vendors but also experiences from different regions of Latin America, including Colombia, El Salvador, and Honduras. By offering a wide range of cultural experiences, the festival aims to provide a safe and inclusive space where everyone, regardless of gender, religion, or skin color, feels welcome.
In light of recent attacks on the Latinx community, Galvez emphasizes the need for communities to come together and connect with one another. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and understanding among diverse cultures, particularly during challenging times.
The Iowa City Latino Festival will take place from noon to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The festivities will kick off with activities for children and families, including storytime, before transitioning into an evening of live music and dance performances from groups such as Grupo Innstinto and DJ Edwin.
The festival is free to attend, providing an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the vibrant Latinx community in Iowa City. Through the power of cultural exchange, the Iowa City Latino Festival seeks to create lasting connections and promote a sense of unity and belonging within the community.
