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Vail Daily

Fiesta Americas returns for a third year of celebrating Latin American culture in Eagle County

Activities at free festival in Gypsum include live music and performances, inflatable obstacle courses, over 50 booths
September 7, 2024

Mountain Recreation and My Future Pathways are bringing Fiesta Americas back to Eagle County for the third year in a row on Sunday, Sept. 15. This year, the duo are thrilled to welcome Eagle County government as a planning partner. 

Fiesta Americas is a free, family-friendly festival that celebrates Latin American culture. Hosted at the Lundgren Amphitheater in Gypsum, the event aligns with the start of National Hispanic Heritage month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.

At least 30% of Eagle County residents, and over 50% of the school population, identify as Latino or Hispanic. This represents a vital part of the local community, and thus Fiesta Americas was created to celebrate culture and diversity and promote social connection and belonging. 

Fiesta Americas has quickly become the landmark event for Latin American culture in Eagle County. In its inaugural year in 2022, the festival saw over 1,900 people in attendance, almost exclusively serving locals. In 2023, the festival grew to over 2,600 people in attendance, drawing locals as well as visitors from Summit, Garfield and Pitkin counties. The planning partners expect big turnouts again this year. 

On Sept. 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fiesta Americas will host performances from:

  • Bravo! Vail, with youth students highlighting Latin composers.
  • Grupo Tlaloc of Denver, with traditional Aztec/Mexica dance dedicated to preserving and nourishing the ancient knowledge of their ancestors.
  • Escola de Samba of Denver, the United States’ foremost dedicated Brazilian dance school focused on Samba no pé, Ginga Vibe, Malandro and Fit Dance.
  • Grupo Kaoba of Denver, back by popular demand, celebrating Latin cumbia genre music.
  • Catabella Music of Miami, to headline the event, playing an extensive playlist of top Latin genres for everyone to enjoy.

Find the full event schedule at MountainRec.org/Fiesta-Americas/.

To ensure everyone can participate, the Fiesta Americas planning committee has secured numerous free family-friendly activities including a toddler bouncy house, multiple inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, a dog adoption booth, a mobile ropes course for teens, a rock-climbing wall, crafts, lawn games and more. Food from La Patrona, La Diosa, El Bajon, Flavor Stop, Pork Station, Crazy Snacks, Itzy’s Coffee, Volcano Sushi and Kona’s Ice will be available for purchase.

The festival will also host over 50 booths made up of artisan vendors, activities, and over 30 local nonprofits. Each booth will host an activity at no cost to attendees, including crafts, spin-the-wheel, games, piñatas, cornhole and more.

Keep an eye out for giveaways and activities leading up to the event on the Fiesta Americas Facebook and Instagram pages.

In addition to wanting people to come out and enjoy the event, the organizers are also looking for volunteers to support the event. Free lunch and shirts are provided for volunteers. Contact Eddie Campos, marketing and community engagement director at Mountain Recreation, via email at ecampos@mountainrec.org or phone at 970-999-0274 to sign up.

Read the full article at VailDaily.com