The dignitaries and guests watching a Mexican folk dance at the event.
THE 14th Latin American Festival in Kuala Lumpur on June 11 promises to be more exciting with music, dance, cuisine, art and vibrant colours of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Nine countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela will be showcasing their music, dances, cuisines and handicrafts at the festival.
At a Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (Grulac) press conference, it was announced that the festival will take place at Commons Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Bukit Bintang from 11am to 5.30pm.
The embassies of the countries involved are collaborating with Plaza Low Yat, Federal Hotels International, Latin Women’s Association of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to host an exhibition celebrating their diverse and colourful cultures.
Argentinean ambassador and Grulac dean Manuel Balaguer Salas said highlighting the rich cultural diversity of Latin America “can help shatter barriers and promote a deeper appreciation for it”.
(Front row) Latin Women Association president Cristina Gutierrez (left), Ooi (third from left), Selangor Cheshire Home president Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman (fourth from left) and Low Yat Group executive director Datuk Low Gee Teong (back row, third from left) with ambassadors and other representatives from the participating Latin American countries as well as Low Yat Group. — SS KANESAN/The Star
“Through this festival, we aim to foster cultural understanding between our countries and Malaysia, build bridges of friendship and promote dialogue among our nations,” he said.
Salas said the public would have the opportunity to learn about their cultures and enjoy performances by renowned musicians and dancers, culinary delights from across the region, and displays of traditional crafts, costumes and artefacts.
The festival will feature dance performances such as tango from Argentina and Uruguay, capoeira from Brazil, folkloric dances from Mexico and Chile and traditional joropo dance from Venezuela.
Guests at the media event were treated to the taste of Latin American cuisines, which included Argentina’s empanada, Colombia’s pandebono, Mexico’s chicken tacos and cheese quesadillas, and Peru’s shrimp causa.
Peruvian chicken causa are among the treats to be served at the festival.
Salas highlighted that the cultural festival was a charity event to raise funds by collaborating with Malaysian institutions for aid and social assistance projects.
“This year, we have selected Selangor Cheshire Home (RACS), a non-profit organisation that creates opportunities for persons with disabilities towards leading an independent life,” he said.
Federal Hotels group marketing, sales and business development and operations director Ooi Lee Ping said the festival would help spread kindness by raising funds for noble causes.
“This year, all proceeds will be donated to RACS to finance its Food Cabin Cafe project, which aims to train young people with disabilities for future employment in the hospitality industry,” she said, adding that Commons Kuala Lumpur will host the event for the 12th consecutive year.
Mexican cheese quesadillas.
“The festival will bring Malaysia and Latin America closer together, strengthening our friendship and cultural ties, and make Bukit Bintang Central even livelier.
“The promotion of various festivities and cultural elements will further boost tourism and the 14th Latin American Festival will spice up Bukit Bintang and Kuala Lumpur City once again,” said Ooi.
She expressed gratitude to DBKL for approving the road closure as well as providing sponsorship for the stage, musical equipment, lights and sounds for the June 11 event.
