For the past 20 years, El Pueblo, a local nonprofit, has brought the largest celebration of Latino culture in Raleigh to the center of downtown. La Fiesta del Pueblo comes back to Fayetteville St. this year on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. featuring music, dance performances and more. The event, which usually sees about 20,000 attendees, not only inspires appreciation and celebration of Latino culture, but also challenges people to take action in the community.

“We are preparing once again to bring the vibrancy of the Triangle Latino Community to the center stage with food, music, dancing and activities for the whole family,” according to the website.   

The free event will line Fayetteville Street with Latin American culture in all of its forms. Art and craft vendors can also be found contributing to the celebration amid the lively sounds of Banda Blanca,closing out the night on the main stage, and the mouth-watering aromas of food from various Latin American countries.

Pedro Becquer-Ramos, a senior studying paper science and engineering, is excited for this year’s festival.

“In the past years I have volunteered with my fraternity and it’s always been a great experience. There are people from all backgrounds and it’s nice to go downtown and get away from school for a bit,” Becquer-Ramos said.

While people may come to enjoy the performances, food and art, they will also be able to learn about Latin American culture from a variety of sources. The celebration also features a youth fair and a health fair, as well as art exhibitions and educational booths about different Latin American countries.

Growing Cartagena, a senior studying civil engineering, has volunteered in past years, but is attending the festival as a spectator this year.

“I’ve always had a positive experience,” Cartagena said. “I’ll be going to try all the amazing food, take in the sights and sounds and to find out what all is going on in Raleigh with the Latino community.”

Free parking is available at all of the parking decks in the city, but the garages on Wilmington Street are the closest to the festival.

The following bands will be performing Sunday: Batala, Brazilian Arts Project, Orgullo y Alma Latina, Flor y Canto, Huepa Culture and Arts Institute, Corazon Peruano,  El Pueblo Salvadoreño, Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano, Orquesta Anthony Alvarez y su Corillo, Takiri, Caique Vidal y Batuque, Bailes y percusion Afro Peruana, La Nueva Sensacion,  Franco Gallardo y su Mariachi, Triangle Dancers and Banda Blanca.