Melodious music from band Marimba Lucero, colorful twirls from folkloric dancers and the appetizing smell of Hispanic food filled Courthouse Park on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
As the month, which ends Oct. 15, winds down, Latinas Unidas hosted its 12th annual Fiesta in the Park with cultural performances, games for children, raffles, and merchandise and food vendors.
Dance groups, Ballet Folklorico de Madera and Ballet Folklorico de Alta California, performed distinct cultural dances that originated from various parts of Mexico. Performers wore traditional dance costumes that were strikingly multi-colored and performed with various props including fruit baskets.
“It’s important to get the community together and learn what the Hispanic community does and what it entails to be Hispanic as we have young [Hispanic] people and it’s important for them to know their heritage,” said Alice Chavira, a Latinas Unidas member...