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 White Plains, NY - Once again it’s time to head to Kensico Dam Plaza for a day-long celebration of Hispanic culture.
The event is the 27th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival and the big day is Sunday, July 27. And if it’s anything like last year, there should be more than 14,000 people enjoying a day-long schedule of entertainment and activities.
New this time around is a soccer dribbling competition for kids and a duo of South American bands that should bring back some good memories. For the first, kids will be invited to show off their athletic talents by trying to keep a soccer ball in the air as long as possible. Not only will youngsters get to experience a little friendly competition but they’ll see how exercise can be fun, and the winners will get prizes.
This year’s highlight bands are Los Iracundos del Recuerdo and Los Angeles Negros, both bound to bring listeners back in time to those lazy afternoons of listening to romantic ballads. The full musical line-up will be rounded out with salsa classes for those who want to give dancing a try, and a tango demonstration for those more comfortable on the sidelines.
Children’s activities will be going on throughout the day, including face painting and piñata making. The Society of the Educational Arts, a bilingual Latino theatre group, will perform several shows.
The festival, from noon to 7 p.m., will have dozens of booths giving out information about services and programs, as well as education and job opportunities, available throughout the county. Add to that live music, dance, arts and crafts, and delicious food and it’s a day for the whole family.
The day is organized by the Office for Hispanic Affairs and more than 100 dedicated volunteers (who will be easy to spot in their colorful “butterfly” shirts that symbolize the world’s Spanish-speaking countries).
Schedule:
12:00
Opening ceremony/Apertura de Ceremonia
12:00
National Anthem/Parade of flags- Himno Nacional by Isabella Dueñas
12:10
Welcome remarks by Robin Bikkal, W.C. Hispanic Advisory Board, and
Martha López - Westchester County Office for Hispanic Affairs
12:15
Jorge Yépez – Ecuadorian Singer/Cantante Ecuatoriano
12:35
Francis Deo y Libertad – Music from Brazil/Musica de Brasil
12:55
Grupo Agua – Folklore from Guatemala
1:15
Salsa/Tango classes and performance – by IFA Dancecenter/Clase de Baile
1:40
Voces y Guitarras de América, with Martha Soler
2:05
Estudiantina "Bolivia" – Music and traditional dances from Bolivia
2:30
Special appearance by: "Los Ángeles Negros" - Presentación especial
3:00
Festival’s theme song "Somos" by Alfredo Dueñas/Himno del Festival
3:15
Brazilian Samba dance class and performance - by IFA Dancecenter/Clase de Baile
3:40
Grupo Ebola – Rock in Spanish - Rock en Español
4:05
Gran Murga Uruguaya – Music from Uruguay - Musica de Uruguay
4:25
Special appearance by: "Los Iracundos" - Presentación especial
4:55
Carlos Jiménez – Latin Jazz Sextet
5:25
Mariachi Águila y Plata – Traditional Music from Mexico - Musica de México
6:05
Pablito y su Avalancha – Tropical Music - Música Tropical
7:00
Closing/Cierre
For more information, call the Office for Hispanic Affairs at (914) 995-2476.
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