Lexington, Ky. – The annual Festival Latino de Lexington took place today, celebrating Latin American heritage in partnership with the Foundation for Latin American and Latin Culture and Arts (FLACA) and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG). Originally scheduled for the end of September, the festival was postponed due to Hurricane Helene but still retained its spirit of pride and identity.
The event aims to connect residents of central Kentucky through cultural exchange. “If I’m able to share who I am, the way that I have lived, through stuff that I know, with people around me, then it makes me feel at home,” said Yamel Patterson-Muñoz, Treasurer of FLACA.
This year’s festival features 11 tents, each representing a different Latin American country. Betty Abdmishani, a FLACA board member who emigrated from Cuba at the age of 9, expressed her satisfaction with the event, stating, “It’s nice to be able to feel good about where I was born and where my heritage is from.”
Since its inception in 2000, the festival has expanded significantly. Co-Founder Francie Chassen-López remarked on its growth, saying, “It started small, and it grew and grew and grew. Now, everybody enjoys it, not just Latinos; there are lots of Americans here too.” This year’s eight-hour celebration features traditional live performances, a variety of food options, local shops, and vibrant music.
In addition to celebrating culture, the festival also offers essential health information to attendees. Organizers hope this fosters a sense of community and inclusiveness among residents of all backgrounds, enhancing understanding and appreciation of Latin American cultures in the region.
The Festival Latino de Lexington not only serves as a platform for cultural expression but also unites people around shared values of pride, heritage, and community spirit.
