Celebrate The Independence Of Latin American Countries At Fiestas Patrias

Transform your cultural awareness at Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Fiestas Patrias, noon - 9 p.m. Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15-16 at Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavillion. Seattle Fiestas Patrias observes Latin American independence in ways that remind us all of the indomitable spirit of freedom.

"Fiestas Patrias," meaning "Patriotic Holidays" or "National Holidays" in Spanish, commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national independence days in the month of September. The festival highlights the history of these communities while taking pride in the new generations of Latinos that now call the United States home, with live performances of dance and music, art, activities for the family and authentic dishes.

Appreciate two art exhibits: ¡VIVA! Latino/a Visions is a display by local Latinx artists and The Migration: A Look Through the Poster addresses the issue of migration and the human rights of people in this condition. Attend one of three hour-long cooking demonstrations of traditional Latin American dishes, sponsored by Cocina Oaxaca. Enjoy dance and musical performances, which include Colombia Ruma y Folklore, Mariachi Huenachi, La Sonora Dinamita at Fisher Pavillion.

Explore the annual health fair with informational booths for vital health screenings, cholesterol and glucose checks, health education, oral health, WIC/MSS services, behavorial health, insurance enrollment, Sea Mar assisted living and nursing services, cancer prevention and hearing exams. Attendees at the health fair are entered to win prizes including a 32-inch flat screen TV.

For full schedule and more information, visit the Fiestas Patrias website: http://seattlefiestaspatrias.org/ or Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1705035512950440/

Seattle Center Festál brings to light the culturally rich communities who shape the character of our region. Although the series began in 1997, its origins stretch back to when ethnic communities were planting their roots here. For many of them, Seattle Center served as a central place, where they could invite the public to join in their unique cultural expression. Some festivals were formed in response to wars or ethnic displacement and others to unite their communities, educate the public and dispel stereotypes. Now at 21 years, Festál producers are seeking to sustain their festivals with compelling programming that appeals to multiple generations.

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Sea Mar Community Health Centers. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, visit seattlefiestaspatrias.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 23 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, 4Culture, the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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