BlogHispanic Canadian Voices
The rhythmic chords of the Salvadorean Marching Band, accompanied by beautiful young women and delegations adorned to set the pace for hundreds of immigrants from Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, and many other Latin American nations, resonated right in the heart of Toronto during the great celebration of the Latin Parade. Organized by the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC), this event marks the grand kickoff of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month in Canada.
As every year around this time, and serves as the opening of a grand carnival orchestrated by Oscar Vigil, Executive Director of the HCHC, and his formidable team, hundreds of Latin Americans who once chose to immigrate to Canada and adopt this country as their new home—without forgetting their ancestral legends, language, art, gastronomy, and especially their cultural heritage—showcased their patriotic pride along two of Toronto’s main arteries: Yonge St. and Bloor St.
On Saturday, September 26, the city center’s primary avenues transformed into a vibrant carnival with pure Latin soul and flavor, highlighted by a parade of giant flags, including those of Argentina and Mexico. The entire event was an explosion of colors featuring diverse folkloric and musical expressions from countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Without a doubt, the Tejutepeque Marching Band from El Salvador—a delegation of nearly 40 young musicians and cheerleaders who traveled exclusively to Canada for the Latin Parade with their flutes, cymbals, trumpets, and drums—was the beating heart of this spectacular celebration through the Canadian streets.
“We are Hispanic, we are Latino, we are that and so much more,” seemed to be the message of each performing troupe that marched, paused traffic, and received applause from thousands of spectators along nearly 30 city blocks. The parade kicked off at 11:00 a.m. at St. George St., traveled down Bloor St. and its exclusive commercial district, and then proceeded down Yonge St. to the brightly illuminated Sankofa Square, where artistic showcases from each participating country commenced. The party was absolute, featuring salsa, merengue, folklore from Mexico, Bolivia, and Ecuador, rock bands, and emerging musical icons.
Building on this grand success, next year’s event is expected to feature even more iconic floats from each country, musical groups, and of course, the community, which is the true soul of this great parade organized by the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC). Thanks to their dedication and the support of leaders and citizens, the organization has successfully positioned the Latin community in a place of honor in Canada.
PHOTOS: Claudia Garcia, Ciro Alquichire, and Carolina Teves.
“I feel overjoyed by the massive contribution of our community to this Latin American pride parade, which has become a wonderful opportunity for our people to reunite, celebrate, and share a moment of true happiness. This is a great window to demonstrate our culture, traditions, and cultural identity, which goes far beyond the language that binds us,” stated Oscar Vigil, Executive Director of the HCHC.
For her part, the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, who in recent years has not missed this celebration, highlighted the incredible contribution of Hispanic people to Canada’s multicultural tapestry and how their music, art, and gastronomy have established a strong presence in the city.
Among the featured artists were El Nene Argento representing Argentina, the Women’s Marimba from the Malacatancito Cultural Center (Huehuetenango, Western Guatemala near the Mexican border), Salve show who brought the joy of samba, the Salsa y Sabor group, and various traditional folkloric dance performances, among many others.
Active participation from prominent political figures was noteworthy, including Mayor Olivia Chow, MP Julie Dzerowicz, and political leader Chiara Padovani, along with consuls from member countries of Hispanic heritage, artists, and journalists from various media outlets such as La Portada Canadá and MIA magazine. Furthermore, the support of private enterprises, present since the inception of this initiative, proved essential. Special recognition and applause go to the HCHC team behind this event: Estefanie Salazar, Kelly Arevalo, Ayleen Gonzalez, Raul Ramirez, Vaitiare Rojo, and Luisa Moncada, as well as the dedicated volunteers who continuously support the promotion of Hispanic art and culture.
October is officially Hispanic / Latin American Heritage Month in Canada—a major celebration of a unique cultural identity reflected not only in the parade, but also in the grand cultural and culinary festival hosted at Sankofa Square (Dundas Square), where a true Latin fiesta came to life.
By Ciro Alquichire V. | TORONTO
