Music, dance, delectable foods and Gritos de Dolores celebrate Latin American independence at Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Fiestas Patrias, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 13 and 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 14, at Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion.
The two-day celebration highlights the diverse cultures of Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvadore, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua as it acknowledges one of the commonalities these nations share, independence from Spanish rule that swept through the region in the early 19th century. A ceremony of independence, 5 p.m. on Saturday, allows all the nations represented at Fiestas Patrias to celebrate their own route to independence. Everyone will participate in Grito de Dolores, translated as the cry of independence.
Fiestas Patrias hosts a dance on Saturday evening in keeping with the theme of this year’s festival, Juntos Bailamos, or Together We Dance. Throughout the weekend, sublime and spicey Latin American foods, live entertainment and unique crafts including handmade jewelry, Alpaca textiles, colorful ceramics and wall art will allow festival-goers to explore the richness and depth of Latin American cultures.
The festival also features a youth boxing program and tournament and other children’s activities and free Zumba and salsa classes. Visitors may also make use of a Health Fair offering basic health screenings, cholesteral and glucose checks, health education, dental services, maternity support and immunization information.
Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Fiestas Patrias is produced at Seattle Center in partnership with the Seattle Fiestas Patrias Committee and Sea Mar Community Health Center. For more information on Seattle Fiestas Patrias, visit www.seattlefiestaspatrias.org. Click on www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200 to learn more about Seattle Center Festál and other outstanding public programming offered by Seattle Center.
