Thousands celebrate diversity during the 32nd Annual Fiesta Festival 2024

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D. Thousands gathered downtown between Poplar and Marshall Streets on Saturday, Sept. 14,for the Fiesta Festival 2024, sponsored by The Hispanic League. The sidewalks were filled with cultural delights: singing, dancing, music, good food, games, exhibits, face painting, vendors, magic tricks, arts and crafts, children’s area, healthy living resources, and family fun. Volunteers from various schools and organizations pitched in to support this multicultural effort. The dance contest on the main stage attracted much attention and participation. Luly Beckles served as the emcee of the dance contest.  “We were glad to have so many people come forward to dance in the contest. We had some very good dancers, and we had several professional performers who presented the Latin dances,” said Beckles.   “The first-place winners were Madeline Gonzalez and Abe’ Levine. Because he wore a Brazilian t-shirt, many people thought Levine was from Brazil. He is half Jewish and half Chinese, and he performed the Latin dances very well. The crowd voted strongly for him and Gonzalez.” The crowd joined the dancers after the competition. The main stage area was filled with couples who displayed their talents for all types of Latin dances. The Takiri Foldor Latino dancers...