What can you tell us about the history of The Latin American Festival, and why it’s coming back in 2016?
Hola. An early wave of immigration into Sydney from Latin American countries in the late ’70s saw a number of people settled initially around the Bondi area. Waverley Council, to their credit, realised a great way to welcome people would be to stage a festival, celebrating the richness and diversity of the unique dances, music, food and costume. This was so successful the festival ended up running for over 35 years, spanning multiple generations, and cross-funding a number of other arts and culture initiatives. Unfortunately Council a few years ago had to stop their support as it was no longer reflective of the evolving local residential demographic, but there are a large number of Latinos in Sydney who now have children of their own who should share the same Bondi experience we did growing up. That’s why we approached Council to use the Pavilion again in 2016.
How much work goes into a festival that spans the cultures of Latin America in so many different ways?
The bands, DJs, dance groups, stallholders, community folkloric groups and food vendors are very passionate and enthusiastic about their trade, and have great memories about this festival and location, so getting them on board was relatively easy. The really hard work is behind the scenes working with Council, Police, and the various suppliers and stakeholders needed to make the space work. Anything with the word ‘festival’ and ‘music’ in the current theocracy of New South Wales becomes multiple times more difficult and costly to plan and execute, but we have a strong team of volunteers behind us from Bondi Association of Arts and Music Inc who have been working around the clock.
How important is music, art and food to Latin American culture more broadly?
Let’s face it, we invented the word ‘fiesta’, and it means both festival and party. Music, food, dance and socialising is a huge part of the Latino culture. Most people, when you mention a Latin festival, have instant thoughts of colour, dance, music, great food, vibrancy.
You’ll be DJing as part of the music program – what sounds can we expect on the day?
This is all about respecting the tradition, but linking it to the modern era. I’ll be mixing some great traditional artists, as well as some Latino house beats and mixes.
What should be the first stop at the festival for anyone looking to get a taste of Latin America?
Take your time in walking around the festival areas, visiting the stalls, absorbing some of the folkloric performances, and then get a free dance lesson before taking on the main stage area to dance the afternoon away with your newly discovered moves.
The Latin American Festival 2016 happens on Sunday February 28 atBondi Pavilion.
