H.V. Fiesta Latina Festival Celebrates Culture

MONROE – Saturday was both a day of national pride and celebration of Latino culture as the Third Annual Fiesta Latina was held.

The Annual Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina at Museum Village took place in Monroe thanks to the generous support of many area business including, Shoprite, Walden Savings Bank,  and SUNY Orange, to name a few. Many in attendance could “feel the warmth of Latin culture” as live salsa music filled the air. A variety of fun-filled activities and games were planned, along with appearances by noted speakers, book giveaways, vendors and much more. This free event ran from 10:00 AM until 6PM on the Museum Village grounds.

Fiesta Latina was a thrilling exhibition of hallmark Latin culture as legendary Latino icon and Latin recording artists, “Cuboricua” was scheduled to perform. Additional music was provided by Musica Tipica by Los Caribenos, Mariachi Viva Mexico, Latin Groove and many others.

In the words of Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina at Museum Village, Chairman Rubén Estrada, “The Fiesta Latina is a celebration of American History promoting family, faith, and country. Sharing the goals of the 19th Century living history of Museum Village, this gathering will provide an experience of history and culture to provoke thought, discussion, and educational enrichment. Moreover, we wish to encourage and promote American History within the newly arriving Latino immigrant community.”

Families, as always, were encouraged to come and bring children who were able to learn all about Latin culture and American history. Face painting was also a featured, child friendly activity, and there were plenty of refreshments on hand. In a related gesture of community concern, Orange County Sheriff’s office Operation Safe Child issued free Safe Child Cards for those children in attendance.

Proceeds from “Fiesta Latina” will again this year benefit the Museum Village and The Food Pantry at Iglesia Ebenezer Pentecostal in Middletown. A unique cultural event, of its kind for Museum Village, the festival is providing a rich cultural experience for a worthy cause.

The committee this year also recognized two Latinos in the Hudson Valley by presenting them with the “Con Orgullo Lo Nuestro Award”. The awardees were The Honorable Luis Alvarez, Chairman, Sullivan County Legislature and The Honorable Karen Mejia, City of Newburgh Councilwoman for their outstanding leadership and service to all of the Hudson Valley.

If you missed the festival, you don’t have to wait until next year to visit Museum Village. It is located at 1010 State Route 17M in Monroe, New York.