BLOOMINGTON – Join neighbors and friends in celebrating the City of Bloomington Fiesta del Otoño at the Switchyard Park Pavilion on Saturday, September 16 from noon to 4 p.m.
This event commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized each year from September 15 through October 15 and is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
“This event represents the best of Bloomington, as we come together to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Latin diaspora that is an integral part of our community,” Mayor John Hamilton said. “As we celebrate, we also recognize the challenges faced by our Latino/Hispanic neighbors, and we recommit ourselves to doing the hard work together needed to ensure that all Bloomingtonian families can thrive.”
The theme for this year’s Fiesta is “Celebrando Nuestra Cultura: Literatura, Arte y Cultura” or “Celebrating Our Culture: Literature, Art and Culture.” The Fiesta del Otoño is a family-oriented event that offers educational and informative booths, cultural activities from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, and opportunities to interact with our community partners.
La Fiesta del Otoño is supported by the City of Bloomington’s Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs and the Community and Family Resources Department Latino Programs. Past events have attracted a diverse audience of residents, students, and visitors. During the event, you will have the chance to experience traditional ethnic performances such as the IU Ballet Folklórico and the Flamenco Dancer Sofía Crespo, enjoy live regional music from Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington and NOMáS, and taste delicious Latin American food from our food trucks. There will also be a dance competition with a prize for the winning couple!
For more information about the event, please contact Ximena Martinez Ruiz, City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator, at 812-349-3430 or visit the City of Bloomington’s Latino Programs Facebook page at facebook.com/LatinoBTown/.
