Take a look at the eleventh edition of the Tri-City Latino Festival

By D.T.

Columbus, GA –On Sept. 21, the Tri-City Latino Festival returned to the Columbus Civic Center with its eleventh edition.

The festival is celebrated in tribute to the valuable Latino heritage of this country, and it represents a safe space for the appreciation of its diversity and a welcoming of the public to be part of the celebrations about the Latino community. 

The festival began with a parade in the city center. The participants at the front were members of Latin American families from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) who wore traditional clothing from their respective countries, including: Jamaica, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala and many more.

The involvement of WHINSEC had been limited to the opening ceremony in past years.

Additionally, the representatives of each country appeared at the opening ceremony carrying their respective flags as the master of ceremonies explained the meaning of the colors and symbols of their flags.

Floats from various Latin American countries participated in the festival with entertainers on board, who greeted and celebrated with the audience as they passed by, gleaming with their colors, patterns, decorations and flags. 

There was even a fashion show of Quinceañera dresses, for the distinctive celebration that young Latinas hold when they turn 15 years old. These participants also appeared on the festival stage.

The celebration continued at the city's Civic Center, which was filled with culinary delicacies for sale, along with merchandise from different Latin American countries such as caps, flags, key chains, crafts, bracelets, necklaces and rings personalized for various celebration.

Other organizations came out to participate, including: Keep Columbus GA Beautiful Commission, CORTA Tennis Association, Latin Fusion and the Panamanian Marching Band Atlanta among others.

Additionally, as a sign of the commitment of the organizers, the Tri-City Latino Association and the community they represent and work for, the opening of the application dates to obtain the New Harold Lefty Encarnacion Community Scholarship Program was announced.

The scholarship is awarded by the Tri-City Latino Association and financed with the support of its sponsors. It is aimed at Latino students or students of Latin American descent who live in Phenix City, Columbus or Fort Moore. 

Finally, an awards ceremony was held for the champions of the 2024 Tri-City Latino Soccer Tournament. The event was held on Sept. 14 and resulted in the victory of the Deportivo Delicias men's team and the Emerald women's team.

The audience enjoyed an overflowing variety of colors, flavors, and melodies during the festival. The family atmosphere and sense of community gave way to the values of security, collaboration, respect and honor. 

The Tri-City Latino Festival represents not only the opportunity to celebrate with entertainment, entrepreneurship and gastronomy, but also to give back to the community and communicate to them the confidence to get involved and integrate into the city with the certainty that there are opportunities for them and respect for their cultures.