First Latin American festival in Sask. aims to celebrate culture
The first Latin American festival in Saskatchewan is bringing together music, art, food and people to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month, which is observed in October.
Yulissa Campos is one of the main event coordinators of Yunta Festival happening on Oct. 23. “Yunta” translates to pal, or close friend in English.
Campos says she’s never seen a festival celebrating Latin American culture in Saskatoon or the province. Earlier this year Ay, Caramba Theatre!, which is hosting the event, received a grant from SaskCulture and Campos figured it was a no brainer.
“We have a pretty big community in Saskatchewan and that’s the thing, we don’t know about each other,” Campos told CTV News.
“When you join the Facebook groups you start realizing that we have a lot of people (Latinos) in Saskatchewan and we’re kind of scattered.”
Campos says people aren’t aware about how many Latinos there are in the province and hopes the festival will bring people to celebrate their culture together.
“We’re 20 countries around Latin America, many people have this idea that Mexico is everything right? When they hear you speak Spanish they say, ‘oh you’re Mexican!’”
Campos is from Ecuador and says Latinos have vast culture and traditions that she wants to introduce to the people of Saskatchewan.
“We are all very diverse in Saskatoon and I want to see that, all the diversity coming in one night to celebrate and have fun before we hibernate for winter.”
The festival taking place at Glass & Lumber in Saskatoon will feature live singing and dance performances, local food vendors, merchandise and an open dance floor.
There is limited availability due to COVID-19 and tickets can be purchased online.
Other organizers include Celeste Nuñez, Juliana Solano, Kiela Caudillo and Jessica Vargas.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.