Art, Music, and Flavour: “La Feria Latina,” a Cultural, Traditional, and Community Space in Toronto
category:
Art
date:
June 23, 2024
Author:
Laura Silva
Art, Music, and Flavour: “La Feria Latina”
Despite the clouds that hinted at rain but were swept away by the wind before noon, thousands of people attended the 2024 Feria Latina, held on Sunday, June 23, by the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council (HCHC). It was, quite literally, a bright day for Latin American culture.
Just a few steps from Wychwood Barns and Park, at Christie and St. Clair, the event’s location, one could already hear the music and feel the joyful energy of the Latin community. Upon arrival, the first thing visitors encountered were the food stands. There was a wide variety of dishes representing different Latin American countries: Colombian mango biche, Mexican tacos, Ecuadorian hornado, chicha, natural fruit juices and ice creams, Argentine empanadas and alfajores, among others.
At the back, for the first time at the fair, there was an art exhibition featuring sculptures, photographs, and paintings of diverse techniques, themes, and styles. Agni González, a talented Mexican sculptor, presented eleven glazed ceramic pieces from his collection “Inhabiting the Surface: An Insatiable Search.” He told us that his experience at the fair was fantastic, as he had the opportunity to showcase his work, share his passion with the community, and meet other Latin artists — which made him feel at home. That sense of belonging, he said, is also part of his inspiration to keep creating.
Artisan booths were also spread throughout the park, once again displaying Latin talent. Sandra Nathan, with her handmade jewellery and textile business Tesoros of Ecuador, participated for the second time in this annual fair. She told us that what motivates her to take part in these events is the opportunity to share Latin culture not only with other Latinos but also with people of other nationalities who appreciate or want to learn about our culture and craftsmanship. That is why, she said, this is an excellent moment to share our cultural richness with the world.
And, of course, music and dance were not to be missed. Throughout the day there were activities for attendees, such as Zumba sessions with South American rhythms, and approximately twenty artistic performances on stage. Solo dancers, groups presenting traditional dances — such as Así es mi Tierra Perú — orchestras, and solo singers all took part.
Colombian singer Yeny Rojas was among the performers. She mentioned that events like this allow Latinos to come together and share “a little piece” of their countries, which helps reduce feelings of loneliness when living far from home and strengthens their connection to their roots.
One of the highlights of the day was the pupusa-eating contest
One of the highlights of the day was the pupusa-eating contest, sponsored by the Consulate of El Salvador in Toronto and Gloritas Coffee. On two occasions, three participants had a maximum of five minutes to finish the pupusas served on their plates. The winner was the one who finished first. And of course, the atmosphere had to match the spirit — while the contest was underway, the crowd cheered along to the song “A mí me gustan las pupusas” by the Salvadoran group Espíritu Libre, from the country where this delicious dish originated.
Additionally, what better way to learn about Latin culture than through our traditional games? The consulates of several Latin American countries shared some of them with the public. For example, the Consulate of the Dominican Republic, which, in addition to the domino game, displayed musical instruments, artistic paintings, and traditional desserts such as arroz con leche. The Consulate of Uruguay shared its traditional games like bingo, checkers, and dominoes, its traditional drink mate, and documents related to the country’s history, gastronomy, tourism, and more — showcasing the advantages and benefits of Uruguay.
The presence of the consulates at these events also provides an opportunity to learn more about their roles. As staff from the Argentine Consulate explained, their functions include promoting culture, exports, investment, and trade between the Latin country and Canada, as well as offering services for passport and visa processing and providing assistance to people in vulnerable situations. Finally, Argentine Consul Gustavo Infante highlighted the great importance of associations like the HCHC, which organize cultural events such as La Feria Latina: building connections among communities and strengthening each country economically, culturally, and socially.
La Feria Latina is a one-day event organized with the support of Canadian Heritage, the City of Toronto, and the Latin American consulates in Toronto. It offers a wide variety of food, crafts, dance, music, art exhibitions, traditional games, and children’s activities in the kids’ zone. The fair is an opportunity for small Canadian and Latin American entrepreneurs to share their talents and promote their products.
However, the fair doesn’t come together overnight. Kelly Arévalo, Vendor Area Coordinator, mentioned that planning for this year’s fair began in January. According to Luisa Moncada, Cultural Area Coordinator, the event was a success based on the feedback received from participants.
There is a reason behind this success: these spaces are created to promote Latin American culture and identity. Luisa Moncada emphasized the importance of showing Canada — a multicultural country — “that we Latinos are doing things, that we have talent, and much to contribute.” According to her, Toronto needed a space where Canadian and Latin cultures could merge in a safe and inclusive way.
