Festival Latino de Cedar Rapids draws crowd at McGrath Amphitheater
Sunday afternoon, the Festival Latino de Cedar Rapids kicked off at the McGrath Amphitheatre. Festival Latino de Cedar Rapids was presented by: Green State Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, and Collins Aerospace. This event celebrates the richness and diversity of the Latin American culture. Festivities included: live music performances, different types of food from various countries. and kid-friendly activities. Live music performances include those from La Sonora Dinamita, local community performers, and dancers. The festival also commemorated the observance of the National Hispanic Heritage Month. Which, celebrates histories and cultures. Contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The festival has been well attended and well received by the Latino Community and the community-at-large for the past decade. With continued support from our sponsors and media partners with coverage and promotions of our event, the festival is able to expand, reach, and grow recognition of the Latino Culture. The event will continue to run until 5 p.m. Sunday evening. We've attached a link in our news story with more information.
Cedar Rapids — Sunday afternoon, the Festival Latino de Cedar Rapids kicked off at the McGrath Amphitheatre.
Festival Latino de Cedar Rapids was presented by:
- Green State Credit Union.
- Veridian Credit Union.
- Collins Aerospace.
This event celebrates the richness and diversity of the Latin American culture.
Festivities included:
- Live music performances.
- Different types of food from various countries.
- Kid-friendly activities.
Live music performances include those from La Sonora Dinamita, local community performers, and dancers.
The festival also commemorated the observance of the National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Which, celebrates:
- Histories.
- Cultures.
- Contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th.
It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The festival has been well attended and well received by the Latino Community and the community-at-large for the past decade.
With continued support from our sponsors and media partners with coverage and promotions of our event, the festival is able to expand, reach, and grow recognition of the Latino Culture.
Iowa's News Now spoke with Monica Vallejo, festival Latino volunteer, to talk more about the festival experience.
This is a wonderful day.", said Vallejo. "Every year we're growing with more Latinos, apply for the scholarships. So this year, we're going to give seven scholarships for Latinos in Cedar Rapids. So, it's a unique program, for Latinos and makes me so proud.
The event will run until 5 p.m. Sunday evening.
For more information about the festival, please click here.
