Latin Festival in Reno draws huge crowds

By MD FAZLUR RAHMAN

A couple dances to the music at the World’s Biggest Latin Festival in Reno last week. Photo: MD FAZLUR RAHMAN/RSJ

The Biggest Little Latin Festival took place in the heart of Downtown Reno on September 13-14.

Festivalgoers enjoyed an enticing array of cocktails, beer, tequila tastings, delectable Latin food, artisan vendors, Lucha Libre, Ballet de Folklorico dancers, Dancing Horses and an exciting lineup of live music, along with strolling mariachis, stilt walkers, a salsa competition and more.

The inaugural festival etched itself as a regional highlight, drawing thousands of attendees to the Reno area.

Senior vice president and general manager Ken Ostempowski, and Tony Marini, vice president of casino operations and community relations, talked to reporters to share all the details of this inaugural event.

A band walks off stage — A band plays at the event

Beyond culinary delights and libations, attendees enjoyed two days of live music spanning various genres, including headliners Los Canarios De Michoacan and Flor de Toloache with Jacqie Rivera. Other featured performers included Viva Santana, Don Gato, Maya, Grupo Explosion, Drinking with Clowns, Fuerza Latina, Ilumina, Estevie and Latin Party Crew.

Mary Kate and AbdulMalik Lawal, both student of the Reynolds School of Journalism, went to the festival in the afternoon on the second day of the event. “I have never seen anything like this before,” said Mary Kate, who is from Ghana, while speaking to journalists. AbdulMalik, who hails from Nigeria, agreed.

A horse dances — A performer makes his horse dance at the Latin Festival in Reno last week. Photo: MD FAZLUR RAHMAN/RSJ

Singer sings — An artist from Argentina performs at the event. PHOTO: MD FAZLUR RAHMAN/RSJ

Rifat Jahan, who is from Bangladesh and arrived in the city in the first week of August, took her eight-year-old son Hisham Rahman to the festival venue. The kid was amused by the performance of the horse singing to the tune of music.

Food stalls — Foods were the main attraction of the event, where at least 20 stalls selling Latin popular items were up for grab. PHOTO: MD FAZLUR RAHMAN/RSJ

This family-friendly fiesta was jam-packed with a variety of entertainment across Downtown Reno on Virginia Street from Second Street to Sixth Street. The free event was open to visitors from 4.p.m-10 p.m.

Train — A train was on display to pull crowds

Children at the event — Not only the grown-ups, but also children were part of the crowds. PHOTO: MD FAZLUR RAHMAN/RSJ

“We celebrated with a live salsa judging contest and taco vendors from all over,” said Alejandro Casino, coordinator of the event.

Customers queue — Several people queue a store at the festival.

Crowd — The presence of the crowds is significant, said event organizers.

The festival will be organized next year during the same time as well, according to the event organizers.

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