COMMENTARY
He tapped two fingers on his chest, looked at me squarely in the eye and smiled. He walked toward me, offered me a hand and said, “Dance with me.”
I let that stranger lead me to an empty spot in front of the stage. A dozen other couples surrounded us and pounded the asphalt in rhythm to the salsa music blaring overhead at La Fiesta Del Pueblo which took place Saturday and Sunday at the NC State Fairgrounds.
La Fiesta Del Pueblo is an annual event held by El Pueblo Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit organization which, according to its Web site, is dedicated to strengthening the Hispanic community through education, advocacy, leadership development and acceptance among different cultures. This year’s festival was also sponsored by groups including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and Univision, a local television station.
The dozens of booths at La Fiesta reflected this organization’s mission — the majority of booths provided important information on issues such as legal rights, public safety, health care, housing opportunities and financial services. Other booths offered information about educational opportunities including tutoring, ESL classes and college enrollment.
However, the festival did not just provide information to aid Latinos here in North Carolina — along with the booths, kiosks and pamphlets came a celebration of their cultures.
Vendors lined the entrance to the main stage, their bright signs and banners drawing in the interest of customers and other festival-goers. They provided regional dishes, crafts and clothing — all displaying the deeply-felt pride of Latinos and their heritage. Many wore items of clothing that displayed images of flags of his or her native country. But La Fiesta did not forget America as it celebrated culture — the festival paid its respects by scheduling a performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” during the opening ceremonies. Zulayka Santiago, the executive director of El Pueblo Inc., saw La Fiesta as particularly important for the Latino community due to an increase in deportations and struggles with immigration reform.
“La Fiesta is an act of resistance, to be able to come out and celebrate despite fear and negativity,” Santiago said. “La Fiesta brings out everything positive and good about Latin culture.”
La Fiesta Del Pueblo provided, along with good food and valuable information, its crowds with regional music from various bands. Often small groups would gather before the stage and dance, completely ignoring the fierce heat. There was also a smaller stage nearby showcasing folk dances and music. La Fiesta had special areas for children and youth, with games and modern music playing for them. Many of those who attended La Fiesta did not have any tangible connection with the Latino community.
However, those who came with open hearts and minds found fun and friendship at the Fairgrounds last weekend.
“I think it’s a fabulous event,” Alex Thomas, a graduate student at NCCU, said. “Whether you are part of the Hispanic community or not, you still feel welcome.”
La Fiesta del Pueblo was an opportunity for all to come and enjoy a piece of everything Latin America has to offer. Anyone — despite their race, color or nationality — could come to this event and savor how vivid and alive Latino culture is.
It also provided a chance to make this group stronger, more informed; to help ensure that this community, my community, is treasured and never mistreated.
