Guide to Latino Festivals
By hola | Published | No Comments
Each year the rich traditions of Latin America are on display locally with outdoor festivals during the spring, summer and fall that showcase national cultures from the sierras of Mesoamerica to the shores of the Southern Cone. You can participate in a Tango Championship or take your first steps. Enjoy the rhythm of your música, while tasting national dishes. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Salvadoreñisimo, traveling hypothetically across the hemisphere, if only for a few hours at a time. This year’s festival season is upon us and holds plenty of promise!
Here’s our guide to festivals taking place in the tri-state area this year. Go forth. Your adventures await!
Cinco de Mayo celebrations
The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) along the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture (MONC) will host a Cinco de Mayo Mixer for all ages. The Mixer will bring together the Latino community from across the District to celebrate Mexican Heritage, appreciate Latin American culture and artists in the District of Columbia and network.
Sun., May 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
El Tamarindo. 1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
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Tango Connection: D.C. Tango Festival & Master Class
Been wanting to learn how to dance Tango in forever? Make sure to participate in the Tango Master Class offered as a part of the D.C. Tango Festival.
Wed., May 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Embassy of Argentina in the United States. Q Street NW, Washington, D.C.
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Festival Argentino 2019
This festival organized on behalf of celebrating Argentina National Day, offers many attractions with 35 Artists making music, dance performances, and most importantly Argentinian Beef.
Sat., May 11 starting at 4 p.m.
Kenmore Middle School Auditorium. 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, Vir. 22204
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Latin America and Spain Food Festival
This Food Festival for a culinary and cultural festival features Latin American and Spanish flavors and music as part of a special gathering of street food vendors with live music and a DJ.
Sun., May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Eastern Market North Hall, 225 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C.
More info
Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival 2019
TasteUSA Food and Drink Festivals bring this festival for all those fans of Hispanic food and drinks at the National Harbor.
Sat., Jun 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Southepointe Lot, National Harbor. 802 National Harbor Blvd. National Harbor, Md. 20745
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Taste of Peru
This culinary festival showcases the gastronomical perks of Peru. The event will feature renown Peruvian chefs and local Peruvian restaurants, entertainment, vendors and culturally related topics.
Sun., Jun 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
More info
Festival Afro Bahia
The Festival Afro Bahia is a celebration of the culture of the Brazilian state of Bahia. Food and drinks are available in this event.
Fri., Jun. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
733 Euclid Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
More info
U.S. National Casablanca Tango Championships Festival
If you feel like you have mastered your Tango skills, consider competing for the National Title in a variety of categories, where you’ll get evaluated by a prestigious panel of judges, learn from world renowned Maestros and enjoy a beautiful atmosphere.
July 3 to 7
Hyatt Regency, Washington D.C.
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The 2019 International Colombian Festival/Colombian Independence
Celebrate Colombian Independence Day under the sounds of Major artists, along with several cultural performances highlighting Colombia’s folklore, food and traditions.
Sat., Jul 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RFK Stadium. 2400 E Capitol St NE, Washington,D.C. 20003
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Made in Colombia Fest
Colombian cumbia, dancing and national dishes come to the University of the District of Columbia campus for this fun festival.
Sun., Jul. 20, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
University of the District of Columbia. 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW,, Washington, D.C. 20008
More info
Maryland Fiesta Latina
Maryland Fiesta Latina is an inaugural festival that aims to celebrate the Latin culture and heritage. It will showcase authentic food, music, arts, exhibits, and more.
Sun., Jul. 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. 1450 Generals Highway. Crownsville, Md. 21032
More Info
Caribbean Heritage Festival
The Festival offers an annual family fun‑day filled with Caribbean music, food, games, fashion showcase.
Sun., Jun. 30, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Veterans Plaza, downtown Silver Spring, Md.
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Latin Heritage Fiesta
A festival with more than 60 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and small businesses who come together for the day, along with traditional food, handicrafts, music, folkloric dance, followed by salsa, bachata, and merengue music and dancing.
Sun., Aug 11, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Veterans Plaza, downtown Silver Spring, Md.
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GAUTE Fest DC
Each September, la Asociación Primaveral hosts el Festival Guatemalteco, known as GUATE Fest, Featuring traditional music, dancing, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine.
Date and location TBD
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8th Guanaco Festival
A celebration of El Salvador’s Independence Day, this festival provides opportunities to enjoy Salvadorian food, crafts and music from performers of bachata, reggaeton and merengue. Childrens’ activities include Chiki-Taki the clown and popular T.V. characters like Como Diego Go, Dora the Explorer, and the Spiderman.
Sun., Sept. 8
Capital Plaza: 6200 Annapolis Rd., Hyattsville, Md. 20783
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14th Festival Salvadoreñisimo
Another annual celebration of the Salvadoran independence this festival brings musicians and performers from El Salvador. Performers include Marito Riviera, Hector Acosta, The Machine, etc.
Sun., Sep 15, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Montgomery County Fair Grounds, 500 Perry Parkway Gaithersburg, Md. 20877
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ZooFiesta
ZooFiesta is part of the wide Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. This Heritage Month celebration kickoff includes a variety of fun-filled family activities, including live music and educational activities about conservation in Central and South America.
Sun., Sep 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20008
More Info
Festival Fiesta D.C. 2019
Fiesta D.C. hosts a variety of entities that provide educational and community information to the event attendees. It hosts around 200,000 people, where they have the chance to enjoy stage entertainment and live performances for the event provided by sponsors of the event.
Sun., Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 3rd St. to 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
More info
What did we miss? If we left off your favorite DC Latino festival, let us know in the comment section below or send us an email to holacultura@gmail.com, so we can add it to this list!
—Agnesa Jashari
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