Festival Hispano

Party with a salsa theme connects with Latin food, music, people

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

Festival Hispano, now in its 17th year, brings together the Hispanic and American cultures with a salsa-themed party. This year’s event will be held Sunday at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston.

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

Dancers (from left) Chris Bady, Samantha Test, Maria Donis and Alexis Crespo enjoy the salsa rhythms during last year’s Festival Hispano.

For four years, DJ Luigi Bravo and his Latin Groove entertainment company have brought together the Hispanic and American cultures with salsa-themed events throughout Charleston.

But none compare to the Festival Hispano, which will be held noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston.

"It's an opportunity for everyone to meet people from many Latin countries — from Colombia, Panama, Spain, Puerto Rico to Mexico and Brazil — and hear the different music and enjoy all the flavors of the different kinds of food," said Colombian native Bravo, which is not a stage name.

While many of the events he organizes, such as Salsa Nights at Southend Brewery and Salsa Under the Stars at the Folly Beach Pier, bring in about 40 percent to 50 percent local Latins, he says Festival Hispano attracts about 70 percent. However, he thinks that might be more of a function of it being held in North Charleston, which is closer in distance to local Hispanic communities.

If you've never been to the festival, which is in its 17th year, or haven't been in a while, this year's might be the one to catch.

"It hasn't grown like we've wanted it to in recent years, so we're pulling out all the stops," said Matthew Rosebrock, special events manager for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. "The music is the big thing this year, and the food — it's not something you can find every day in Charleston. ... We're really excited about it."

Headlining the musical lineup is Orquesta Canela.

The salsa orchestra features 14 divas from Cali, Colombia, also Bravo's hometown.

Founded in 1992, Orquesta Canela has performed in many major festivals throughout the world and has toured countries such as the United States, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Europe. Although the group is considered a salsa favorite, you can expect a little merengue and tropical music as well.

Another group that will be performing is Havanason. It is an authentic local Cuban quintet, featuring a conga, piano, bass, horn and timbale, that performs traditional Cuban popular music geared toward salsa dancing.

And back by popular demand is Makeno Son, another local favorite that specializes in salsa and cumbia. It also performed at last year's festival.

In between sets, DJ Bravo will keep things moving by spinning the hottest Hispanic hits.

But it's not all about the music. Festival Hispano will feature folkloric dances, demonstrations by Capoeira Charleston, a salsa dance contest, salsa lessons throughout the day, crafts market, global education area for children and steel drum performers.

Some of the food will include dishes from Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, such as empanadas, chorizo, arroz con gandules, and jerk and curry chicken.

Reach David Quick at 937-5516 or dquick@postandcourier.com.