LA PAGINA OFICIAL DEL
FESTIVAL LATINOAMERICANO DE WASHINGTON, DC
2000

HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL

Thirty years ago the Latin community in Washington, D. C. began to experience dramatic population growth which brought to the general public attention the increasing political, social, and economic power of this minority population within the nation. This demographic, political, and economic surge has continued undiminished since that time, and has, in fact accelerated since the beginning of the 1980's. During those days the leaders of the D.C. Latin community often spoke of a forum through which their constituencies could express themselves in all their cultural diversities.

The desire for expression and the commitment of the leathers to this was complicated primarily by the heterogeneity of the community itself. The DC, Metropolitan Latin community is not a single national community, but rather one which mirrors quite aptly the heart and soul of the United States. It is a melting pot composition of peoples from varied traditions, cultures, and countries. These people are unified by two principal elements: that of language and that of an international commitment to the betterment of their entire hemisphere. Thus, Mexicans become affiliated with Brazilians and Paraguayans with Salvadorean, etc. This feeling of camaraderie and ethnic pride is an active characteristic of their individual rights as new participants in American life.

National recognition of the Latin contribution to American society is made difficult by the lack of a single national origin since there are Mexicans in the Southwest, Cubans in Florida, Puerto Ricans in New York. It has taken the D.C. Latin community a little longer to concretize its self?identification, but the process is continuing to progress with help the spirit of its founders and the birth of their children. They see their patrimony as loyalty to their community here in Washington and to their new country the United States, while at the same time not forgetting their origins.

These new citizens and their American children take pride in their efforts. Overall they respect and adhere to the principles of hard work and success. They are now proud Americans giving of their children to defend this country and willing to provide financially for their support of this community.

This year the community has made a commitment to the less fortunate member among them. Remembering how difficult it was for many who now have achieved the American dream, they are reaching out to protect and assist those that have followed. This year the Latin Festival Committee is working with various groups: the DC and the Federal Government, the local and national business communities, are well as, of course, the diverse groups within the community. By believing in an exercising their full political, social and financial power, the community is confident in securing the future of its children.

As a non?profit, city endorsed event: the Latin Festival hair made great strides toward representing all the members of the Americas in this year's activities. Approximately, 23 countries will be represented this year, each by a significant local constituencies. These groups will provide floats for the Parade, typical cuisine, art exhibits, seminars on Latin culture and current issues of concern, and, through these ingredients on opportunity for the general population growth in its understanding and appreciation of Latino culture.

Last year's event had more than 750,000 participants. This year the organizing committee is bringing the festivities to the heat of the District of Columbia: It is anticipated that there will be presentations of folklore from every country and major international musical talent.

Due to the large amount of publicity that the Festival receives every year through the electronic media coverage and national and local press, the commitment of the national corporate community is larger than it has ever been. The Festival is a highly visible event, which attracts wide media attention. This event has been featured on the font pages of The Washington Post and the Washington Times as well as in the US World and News Report national magazine. The Festival was extensively covered by major TTY and radio stations in the area and received overwhelming coverage in all local Latin American publications. We estimate that the attendance will exceed three quarters of a million and it will be a great opportunity for corporations desired to reach the Latino market tike perfect time to inform Latinos of their products and services.

email: festival@dclatino.zzn.com