During National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, the United States honors the countless contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, and Latinas to our culture and society. Our community recently hit the month off with the Latino Festival, organized by local non-profit organization Latinos Unidos West Liberty. This celebration is made possible by the generous contributions of local businesses and the community.
Latinos Unidos West Liberty has been the driving force behind this event since 2017, thanks to its founder, Francisco Martinez. Alongside eight dedicated members, they work tirelessly year-round to ensure the festival’s success. Beyond organizing the Latino festival, the organization also provides scholarships and vital college access information to local youth. Each year, the festival has grown, with this year boasting the largest number of food vendors yet. Attendees were treated to a free concert featuring Viento y Sol, a popular 80s band that took everyone down memory lane with beloved hits like “Par de anillos” and “Cenizas y Fuego”. This year, there were new performances at the festival like La Danza del Perpetuo Socorro, a local indigenous dance group. They have been practicing year round, have danced internationally, and created new dance steps for the festival. Many of the youth in our community are part of this indigenous dance group, showcasing their talent and heritage.
I arrived in this country nearly 30 years ago, settling in Columbus Junction, Iowa. Back then, to experience folkloric dances or a Latino festival, we had to travel to the Quad Cities or Chicago. I vividly recall the excitement of seeing my culture celebrated, hearing Spanish all around me, and savoring a variety of Latino cuisines all in one place. We waited all year for this experience. Representation truly matters—it often serves as a lifeline during homesick moments when returning home feels impossible. It’s amazing that now I don’t have to drive for hours just to experience a piece of Latino culture. We must cherish and not take this for granted!
Latino festivals hold immense significance not only for the Latino community but for everyone. They celebrate the rich contributions of Latinos to our society, offering a vibrant glimpse into our diverse cultures and they remind us that Latinos are not a monolith. These festivals create a space for connection, understanding, and appreciation among all attendees. We are fortunate to have such events, and we owe a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to bring them to life each year.
West Liberty is incredibly fortunate to have such amazing talent and a diverse community. Together, we contribute to making this country a richer and more prosperous place. Throughout this month, I encourage everyone to support our local Latino businesses, such as Dreamscape Tattoo Studio, Rosie’s Paradise Massage Therapy, Tony Frausto Photography, XPD- Xtreme Party Decorations, Veritas Translations, Martinez Landscaping, local stores and restaurants, and more. These entrepreneurs are dedicated to improving our community and creating opportunities for all. By choosing to shop local, we not only uplift their efforts but also strengthen the fabric of our town. If you haven’t attended a Latino festival yet, I encourage you to seek one out—they’re being hosted all over. These vibrant celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to experience rich cultures, delicious food, and lively entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this amazing experience!