By Karis He

The Burlington Latin Festival, scheduled for August 24, 2024, aims to turn Central Park into a dynamic celebration of Latin American culture. Participants can become completely immersed in an array of traditional dance, music, and food from several Latin American countries. 

Free to attend, this festival promises activities for attendees of any age. Live performances both domestic and foreign performers are scheduled throughout the event, showcasing a combination of modern and traditional sounds that perfectly represent Latin American heritage.

From tasty street snacks to exquisite desserts, food lovers can enjoy a variety of authentic Latin American meals from over 20 culinary vendors. A genuine experience of the variety of flavours that define Latin American cuisine can be obtained from this festival — if you’re hungry enough.

The festival will feature an artisan market with original artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, and crafts that capture the rich culture of Latin America, in addition to the performances and food. All ages will enjoy and learn from the range of activities available in the Kids/Family Zone, which includes games, face painting, and interactive cultural seminars.

Throughout the day, a variety of activities will keep guests interested. These include interactive activities that let visitors get a close-up look at the cultural heritage and educational displays that provide insight into the customs and traditions of Latin American nations.

The Burlington Latino community established the festival with the goal of promoting togetherness and respect of the many cultures that make up the larger community. It will provide an environment for creating a sense of unity while recognizing the rich diversity and traditions of Latin America.

The Burlington Latin Festival offers the community a chance to meet and understand the many different cultures of their Latin American neighbours, beyond simply being a celebration of culture. By bringing individuals from different backgrounds together, the festival promotes respect and harmony between them. And as the festival website points out, Spanish is the third most commonly known language in Burlington! High time to get to know the people and many cultures that speak Spanish within our community.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit the Burlington Latin Festival.