Toronto is getting ready for an explosion of colour, music, dance, and tradition that promises to ignite the heart of the city. This September, the main streets of Toronto will become the stage for a lively celebration of Latin culture — where every step, every note, and every smile will tell the story of a rich and diverse heritage.

The Latin Parade and Fall Fiesta is not just an event; it is a symbol of pride and a unifying force for Latin American communities across Canada. Get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that celebrates the best of our roots, with a parade that will make Toronto’s heart beat even stronger!

The Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC) announced this week that the cultural event marking the opening of Hispanic/Latin American Heritage Month in Canada will take place on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29. On Saturday, September 28, at 11 a.m., the Latin Parade will take over Bloor and Yonge Streets, and on both Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., La Fiesta Latina will be held at Dundas Square.

Since its founding in 2014, the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Latin culture in Canada. Thanks to its efforts, October was officially proclaimed Hispanic/Latin American Heritage Month at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels — a recognition of our roots celebrated with pride. However, celebrating our identity is not limited to a single month; throughout the year, the HCHC organizes a wide range of cultural activities.

On September 28, Toronto will be filled with joy and rhythm for the Latin Parade — a procession that, since 2019, has brought colour, flavour, and music to the streets as all Latin American countries come together to showcase the diversity of their traditions.

So, what exactly is the Latin Parade? Carolina Testa, a graphic designer with over ten years of experience in cultural management and a key member of the organizing team, describes it passionately: “This parade shows that although we come from different Latin American countries, there is something in our culture that unites us — something that connects us deeply.”

Oscar Vigil, Executive Director of the HCHC, shares that same emotion: “It’s exciting to bring that colour, that flavour, that feeling, that rhythm from our home countries and share it here, in a Canadian society that has welcomed us with open arms.”

This year’s Latin Parade promises to be more spectacular than ever. In addition to the creative floats accompanying dancers and musical groups, there will be two exciting new features. First, a stand review will be set up midway through the parade route to introduce and highlight each participating group. This stand will be located on Bloor Street, right in front of a BMO branch — one of the event’s main sponsors. Second, opening this year’s festivities, dancers from the iconic Club Tropicana of Cuba will lead the parade for the first time in Toronto, following in the footsteps of the talented carnival dancers from Corrientes, Argentina, who opened the parades in the past two years.

An unmissable event! More than just a parade, the Latin Parade has become a massive celebration that continues to grow in strength and recognition since its beginnings. This year, alongside Latin American consulates in Toronto and representatives from various levels of Canadian government, delegations from other regions of Canada — including Montreal, Ottawa, London, Kitchener, and Manitoba — are also expected to participate.

For the first time, Latin American officers from the Toronto Police Service will also join the parade, accompanied by historic police vehicles that once served the city.

The parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m. at the corner of St. George and Bloor Streets, continuing along Bloor to Yonge Street, then turning onto Yonge until reaching Dundas Square. There, each participating group will give one last performance on stage.

But the celebration doesn’t end there. Dundas Square will be transformed into the home of the Fall Fiesta on September 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days — a festival where everyone in Toronto can enjoy delicious food, handicrafts, music, dance, and activities for all ages and tastes.

Finally, it’s worth emphasizing that this is a Latin celebration that brings people together. It all comes to life thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers, the support of committed organizations, and funding provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Latin American consulates in Toronto — including Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and others — play a key role in these celebrations, along with companies and organizations such as BMO, LiUNA Local 183, El Gaucho, Carranza LLP, Filici Immigration Services, and the Cuba Tourism Office in Canada.

With contagious enthusiasm, Carolina Testa invites everyone to follow the HCHC on social media for updates on this magnificent event, adding: “The more of us that join, the louder we’ll be — and the bigger the Latin celebration will become! Music brings us together, it moves us. The invitation is open — come and join this great fiesta!”