Latin American fest returns

Bright and beautiful: Women in traditional costumes that represent the countries whose embassies are jointly organising the 7th Latin American Festival.

DUST those dancing shoes off as the Latin American Festival is back for the seventh year in a row.

As with last year, the one-day event will take place at BBPark, located along Jalan Bukit Bintang, next to Federal Hotel.

The event will take place on May 17, from 11am to 6pm.

Venezuelan ambassador Manuel Antonio Guzman Hernandez said South America was renowned all over the world for its fun and gaiety.

“It is an almost unanimously held opinion that the Latin American region is a permanent party.

“This joy and cultural richness is what we will bring to the festival,” said Hernandez at a press conference on the festival at BBPark.

Hernandez is also dean of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Embassies in Malaysia (Grulac).

The festival will feature all music, dance, craft, food and beverages from the region.

“The significant number of Latin American countries with embassies here is a clear reflection of the importance of this region.

“Therefore, we make sure to keep celebrating this event year after year, and put so much effort into it,” he said.

Mexican theme: Breaking pinatas is mostly associated with Mexico and is usually done during a celebration such as the upcoming Latin American Festival.

The event is jointly organised by 10 Latin American embassies in Malaysia, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela and is supported by Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

This year, the festival will be raising money for the Gurney Training Centre of the Malaysian Association for the Blind.

Hernandez said they collected RM72,000 for Hospis Malaysia and OrphanCare last year and hope to raise more this year.

Most of the money raised will come from raffle ticket sales with prizes such as air tickets to a Latin American country.