Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Celebrates
Latino Heritage Month and Commemorates Mexican Independence Day
with its 8th Annual
Fiesta de Independencia
Sponsored by
Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (The Center) announces the return of its annual Fiesta de Independencia, generously sponsored by Redwood Credit Union this year! This popular daylong event highlighting the diverse cultures that are a part of the North Bay community. Now in its eighth year showcasing the tastes, sounds and sights of Mexico and other Latino cultures, the free outdoor event celebrates Latino Heritage Month and commemorates Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Organized by the Center’s Latino Advisory Council, the family-friendly, campus-wide festival is an opportunity for guests to experience a traditional fiesta as they enjoy authentic food, music, games, performances and more.
Fiesta de Independencia began at the Center in 2010 to commemorate Mexican Independence Day (September 16), and it has since evolved to celebrate the rich history of all the diverse Latino cultures and people who are an integral part of the North Bay community. Drawing more than 3,000 community members each year, the event has become a Sonoma County tradition. The Fiesta is a community-wide celebration of cultures, people and traditions that also educates the community about Latino history and local businesses in Sonoma County.
“Over the past eight years, under the leadership of our Latino Advisory Council, we are gratified that the Fiesta has become a beloved community tradition,” noted LBC President & CEO Rick Nowlin. “This year, we are pleased to bring back performances from a diverse range of community groups, and to again engage students in our community through the creation of exhibits on Latin American countries celebrating their independence in September.”
Contributing to the jubilant atmosphere at the event is the low-rider car show, a variety of performances showcasing local and regional artists, and a wide-range of booths from community organizations offering services, merchandise, opportunities, food, and fun to attendees.. This year’s Fiesta includes the return of an expanded tented area to watch performances from, as well as more ethnic food specialties and a particular emphasis on showcasing distinctive educational outreach within the community featuring performances by students and children. Santa Rosa favorite Mariachi Barragan will perform and Banda Toro as well as Sonora Tropicana will be the featured entertainment.
The Community Leadership Awards also returns to this festive celebration this year, presented in three categories – businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals – to those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Latino Community through volunteerism, education, mentorship, or other personal or professional efforts.
The creation of Fiesta de Independencia would not be possible without the help of the Latino Advisory Council (LAC) as well as the generosity of the event Sponsor, Redwood Credit Union and underwriting from Sonoma Clean Power, The City of Santa Rosa, Pacific, Gas & Electric and St. Joseph Health. Additional support is also provided by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sonoma County, El Consulado General de México en San Francisco and of course all the community advocates.
