¡Viva la cultura! Despite spring showers, throngs of Vancouverites congregated at the Carnaval del Sol over the weekend to celebrate Latin culture by socializing, dancing, and noshing on papusas and Cuban barbecue.
Carnaval del Sol is a celebration of Latin culture hosted by the LatinCouver Cultural and Business Society of B.C., an organization that brings together Latin Americans and Latin enthusiasts living in Vancouver to strengthen and celebrate the richness of our cultures. This year marks the Carnaval’s 5th year in operation.
As the sun started peeking through the rain clouds, the Granville mall bustled with people enjoying the Carnaval’s ‘plaza’, an open-air market and food-lover’s paradise.
We wandered through the crowd, enjoying the mouthwatering scents of churros and barbecued meat.
From El Salvador to Bolivia, the cultures of Latin America were represented through bright artwork, artisan jewelry, dance, music, food & drink.
Granville Street, usually a busy thoroughfare bustling with buses and commuters, transformed seamlessly into a lively plaza packed with friends and families humming with conversación.
The many Carnval del Sol volunteers greeted spectators warmly and directed them to food-stands where they could get frozen treats and drinks to cool down.
Nationally renowned performers serenaded the crowd, and the brave among us took advantage of free cha cha, salsa, and samba lessons. The festival also featured a dynamic collection of visual art, from sculpture to short films to live painting.
We left the Carnaval with full bellies, uplifted spirits, and quite a travel bug. ¡Gracias Carnaval del Sol, nos veremos en la próxima!
To learn more about Latincouver and the history of Latin American heritage in Vancouver, visit https://www.latincouver.ca.