Second annual Latin American Independence celebration rocks park
Published 12:10 am Thursday, September 26, 2024
La Alcancia, a Mexican grocery store that also offers hot prepared foods, was on hand for the celebration of Latin American independence Saturday at Bell Tower Green.
A parade of flags representing all of the countries celebrating their independence was presented during Saturday's Festival De Independencia Latinoamericano. This is the second year of the event. Submitted photo
Maya Villalobos caputured those attending Saturday's independence festival for Latin Americans as she sang.
Lucy Norman, 6, chooses several items to take home, or at least try to, from a booth offering Latino-inspired food and items at the Festival De Independencia Latinoamericano on Saturday at Bell Tower Green.
Bianca Munoz Norman says she always needs to sample the elote - Mexican corn grilled, slathered with mayonaise and seasonings - when it's available, and it was indeed at the Festival De Independencia at Bell Tower Green last Saturday.
SALISBURY — Bright, celebratory colors, from flags to costumes to general attire, was the prevailing theme Saturday at the second annual Festival de Independencia Latinoamericana.
Held at Bell Tower Green park, the event had participants from numerous community organizations, so those in the Latin American community can be aware of services available, but there was dancing, singing, and not just on the stage. The day was part of the Summer Reels & Riffs Movies and Music Series.
The event marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and is a celebration of all Latino heritage.
“Celebrating our Latino heritage in Rowan is a powerful reminder of the vibrant diversity that makes our community thrive,” said Bianca Munoz Norman, who attended the festival with her family. “As a parent of biracial children, I’m passionate about showcasing the beauty of their Mexican roots and empowering them to take pride in their cultural identity. With Latinos playing a vital role in every aspect of life in Rowan, events like this at Bell Tower park are a testament to our collective strength and resilience.”
The first event, held last year, began as an idea between Vivian Koontz, event coordinator for the city, and Latoya Price, events coordinator for Downtown Development/Downtown Salisbury, Inc. The two women wanted to do something to celebrate the Latin community and found a small amount of funds to put together a celebration. Those in the Hispanic community can struggle with the label “Hispanic” because it covers such a broad swath of cultures, countries and territories. The idea was to come together to celebrate them all, give recognition to all.
This year’s event, free and open to the public, kicked off with a proclamation marking the day and month from Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander. Following her proclamation, Alexander introduced the parade of flags from the following countries, all celebrating independence:
The event is sponsored by Visit Rowan County, Parks and Recreation, and Downtown Salisbury Inc. and is a recognition of Rowan County’s growing Latino population.
