Latin American Heritage Month: A celebration of culture and community in Vancouver
Latincouver is hosting a variety of events until Nov. 3, featuring traditional dances, cultural performances, and culinary delights
Latincouver's Latin American Heritage Month Festival opening ceremony took place on Oct. 15. (Vianney Aguirre Mora)
The Cambridge Dictionary states that Latin America is the area of North, South, and Central America where Spanish or Portuguese is spoken.
However, its meaning goes beyond language, encompassing a variety of cultures, traditions, cuisine, and unity among its people.
In Canada, October is Latin American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Latino people to the national culture. Latincouver, a non-profit organization based in B.C., is hosting its sixth annual Latin American Heritage Month Festival until Nov. 3 with a variety of workshops, shows, and exhibits to engage locals in the festivities.
The event’s opening ceremony took place on Oct. 15 at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion on Granville Island. Locals, tourists, and members of the Latino community were in attendance, enjoying cultural dances from Mexico and Peru, as well as pre-Hispanic performances. Attendees were also treated to coffee and pan de muerto, a type of Mexican bread traditionally consumed at this time of year.
Paola Murillo, executive director of Latincouver, not only manages events that promote the integration of the Latino community but also has a personal goal — to ensure that her daughter, who was born in Canada, remembers her roots.
“I hope my daughter, the Latino community, and all attendees take this moment with them, connecting and sharing the culture with future generations,” Murilllo says.
Tom Lancaster, general manager of Granville Island, was present at the event and expressed gratitude to the Latino community for choosing the island as the cultural hub for the celebrations.
“One of the great things about Latincouver, for all of us, is being welcomed into a celebration of all the cultures of Latin America,” Lancaster says. “Regardless of who you are, you’re welcomed here. And that is just so special today.”
Vancouver City Councillor Lisa Dominato also attended the event, sharing her pride in supporting the Latino community.
“We’re still in a time where we need to recognize and celebrate our differences …. Granville Island is a place [that brings] people together,” Dominato says.
Representatives from various Latin American countries were present to thank Canadian diplomats for their openness and providing a space for the festivities. Among them were Luis Hernando Vargas Novoa from the consulate of Colombia and Olga Beatriz Garcia Guillen from the consulate of Mexico. The delegates spoke on the richness of Latino culture and the importance of passing on traditions to future generations while contributing to their new home in Canada.
Maria Fernanda Diosdado, an event attendee, says she feels closer to her culture and family by being part of the celebration.
“For me, it means connecting with my loved ones,” Diosdado says. “The Latino community is very large, and I love feeling that sense of unity. I hope these events help people realize just how much culture we have to share.”
As part of the festival, Latincouver will be hosting a “Fundraising Gala Night — Culinary Experience” on Oct. 24. The gala will feature women chefs from Latin America who will present traditional dishes from their respective countries. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Latin American cuisine while supporting Latincouver’s efforts to promote academic and cultural integration for Latinos in Vancouver.
To learn more about Latincouver and its upcoming events, visit www.latincouver.ca.
