RALEIGH, NC.- September 15 marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month which runs through to October 15. As El Pueblo begins to finalize details for their annual celebration of Latin American culture, La Fiesta del Pueblo, taking place this upcoming Sunday, September 21, the organization recognizes the importance of cultural celebrations like these to the Hispanic/Latino community.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the U.S to celebrate and recognize the achievements, contributions, and impact of the Hispanic/Latino community to the country’s history, culture, and successes. This year, the Hispanic/Latino community has seen increased targeting at the state and federal level, leading to an increase in fear and uncertainty in these communities, making it even more important this year to recognize the importance of Latino immigrants.

“La Fiesta del Pueblo is a celebration of Latin American culture for everyone. It’s where immigrants from Latin American countries can relive some of the cultural traditions of the home country, where people who are 2nd, 3rd, or more generations away from their roots in Latin America, can reconnect with their heritage, and it’s for our Triangle neighbors curious to learn more about our culture!”

The festival brings something new every year. This year, the organizers are preparing three new activations for festival goers: a free cooking demonstration, Unity Walk, and a Best Dressed contest.

The cooking demonstration will be provided by Mi Costeñita, La Fiesta del Pueblo’s presenting sponsor. Chef Angela Salamanca, owner of well-known businesses Centro, Gallo Pelón, and Ex Voto, will lead hands-on cooking demonstrations for beloved family recipes for Chilaquiles Rojos, Quesadillas con Macha & Curtido, and Calentado.

La Fiesta del Pueblo will also hold a unity walk during the festival and is inviting festival goers to participate. In the same spirit of cultural pride, the festival will be hosting a “Best Dressed” contest open to the public. Participants are invited to show off their culture and pride by dressing to represent their cultural heritage in honor of Hispanic/Latin American Heritage Month. 10 participants will have the chance to compete for tickets to see Alicia Villareal and Pancho Barraza and merch from El Pueblo, North Carolina Education Lottery, and Mi Costeñita

As a festival celebrating the Latin American heritage and culture of North Carolinians, La Fiesta del Pueblo will showcase talent from local musical artists and dance performers on their stage as well as have a variety local food and artisan vendors throughout the footprint for festival goers.

The musical headliner this year is Monchy, the famous Dominican bachata artist. Leading up to this musical guest’s performance, the festival will have numerous local talents onstage such as Zona Tipica, La Nueva 22, La Tropa de Tierra Caliente, and Letal Rock Band. Dance perfomers in the lineup include Colibrí Esmeralda, Cumbión Colombiano, Flor de Hidalgo, Folklorico Club at NC State, Sangre de Campeón Group Dance, and Urban Zumba with Alex.

This year, the festival is counting on 20 food vendors across the map of the festival to provide tasty food options. From empanadas, tacos, street food, plates, sandwiches, coffee, and more, audiences can expect to have a diverse offering of food options from across Latin America cuisine such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela, and Cuba to name a few.

La Fiesta del Pueblo is organized by the local nonprofit, El Pueblo, who this year, celebrates 30 years of advocating for the Latin American community in Wake County and surrounding areas.

This program is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission. El Pueblo is supported by the United Arts Wake County.

To learn more about La Fiesta del Pueblo visit here