Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Celebrates Latino Heritage Month with 7th Annual Fiesta de Independencia

Today, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (The Center) announced the return of its annual Fiesta de Independencia,a popular daylong event highlighting the diverse cultures that are a part of the North Bay community. Now in its seventh year showcasing the tastes, sounds and sights of Mexico and other Latino cultures, the free outdoor event celebrates Latino Heritage Month and commemorates Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Organized by the Center's Latino Advisory Council, the family-friendly, campus-wide festival is an opportunity for guests to experience a traditional fiesta as they enjoy authentic food, music, games, performances and more.

Fiesta de Independencia began at the Center in 2010 to commemorate Mexican Independence Day (September 16), and it has since evolved to celebrate the rich history of all the diverse Latino cultures and people who are an integral part of the North Bay community. Drawing more than 3,000 community members each year, the event has become a Sonoma County tradition. The Fiesta is a community-wide celebration of cultures, people and traditions that also educates the community about Hispanic history and Latino businesses in Sonoma County.

"Over the past seven years, under the leadership of our Latino Advisory Council, we are gratified that the Fiesta has become a beloved community tradition," noted LBC President & CEO Rick Nowlin. "This year, we are pleased to bring back performances from a diverse range of community groups, to expand the popular salsa-tasting competition, and to again engage students in our community through the creation of exhibits on Latin American countries celebrating their independence in September."

Contributing to the jubilant atmosphere at the event is the low-rider car show, a variety of performances showcasing local and regional artists, and the "People's Choice" salsa-tasting competition where attendees get to sample and vote for the best salsa from restaurants around the County. This year's Fiesta includes the return of an expanded tented area to watch performances from, as well as more ethnic food specialties and a particular emphasis on showcasing distinctive educational outreach within the community featuring performances by students and children. These special performances and exhibits include:

• Supervisor Efren Carillo will officially kick-off the Fiesta with welcome remarks at 2 p.m.
• The children's Mariachi Band that recently completed this year's second annual Mariachi Camp made possible by Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and taught by Jose Soto. The children's Mariachi Band, comprised of students ages 8 to 17, will perform with Soto's professional Mariachi Band, Mariachi Barragan.
• Through a partnership with the Roseland School District, students will create and showcase exhibits about seven Latin American countries, celebrating their country's independence in the month of September.
• A wide-range of booths from community organizations offering services, merchandise, opportunities, food, and fun to attendees.
• Mexican music group Banda Pachuco and Chilean pop band Los Ángeles Negros will be the featured entertainment.

The Community Leadership Awards also returns to this festive celebration this year, presented in three categories - businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals - to those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Latino Community through volunteerism, education, mentorship, or other personal or professional efforts.

The creation of Fiesta de Independencia would not be possible without the help of the Latino Advisory Council (LAC) as well as the Fiesta's sponsors, which include the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sonoma County, the City of Santa Rosa, Radio Lazer/La Mejor, CAP Sonoma, Latino Service Providers, El Patron, Excitos, TV Azteca, El Consulado General de México en San Francisco and of course all the community advocates.

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