Hello Knoxville Community!
Last Saturday, the vibrant streets of KNOXVILLE came alive with the colors, sounds, and tastes of Latin culture at the highly anticipated Hola Ora Latina Festival. This lively celebration has grown leaps and bounds, evolving from its humble bookstore beginnings into a full-blown block party. The air was thick with excitement as we joined a crowd of around 15,000 enthusiastic attendees, each one eager to taste the rich offerings that Hispanic art and culture have in store.
Creating Cultural Bridges
Pedro Tomas, the heart and soul behind this festival, sums it up beautifully: “Hola Ora Latina is about celebrating Hispanic and Latina art and culture.” With an infectious smile, Pedro, a Cuban native and a dedicated Spanish teacher at the University of Tennessee, believes in the mission of building connections among diverse communities. “It’s not political,” he emphasizes, underscoring a sentiment that permeated the festival. This event aimed to unite people from all walks of life, encouraging them to come together in a joyous celebration of our shared humanity.
A Taste of Latin America
As we strolled through World’s Fair Park, we were greeted by a dazzling array of food vendors. With 14 different food stalls cooking up mouth-watering delights, from savory tacos to sweet churros, there was something to satisfy every palate. Not only did the food excite your taste buds, but the music wafting through the air kept our spirits soaring. It was hard not to tap our toes to the rhythm of world-class Latin musicians playing right on the main stage.
Fun for Everyone
What’s more, the festival offered a treasure trove of experiences. Community organizations lined the area, providing valuable insights and friendly interactions. The Knoxville Zoo, U.S. Bank, and various local service organizations set up booths where attendees could learn more about resources available within the community. Educational yet fun, children got the chance to visit heritage tables where UT student volunteers taught them about the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. By answering questions about art, food, and geography, kids left with stamped “passports” showcasing their journey through Latin culture—who knew history could be this exciting?
Good Vibes Only
One of the highlights of the festival was the undeniably positive atmosphere. “We sold a lot of beer,” Pedro remarked, with a grin that said it all. The feedback from attendees suggested that there were no incidents—an impressive feat that many festivals struggle with. Pedro attributes this to the lively atmosphere and the infectious energy of the music playing, urging everyone to enjoy the day without concern.
Looking to the Future
While this year’s festival outgrew its previous smaller settings, the appreciation from attendees was evident. Despite a late decision from the city to scale the festival down to just one day, everyone involved—from festival organizers to local supports—came together to make it a huge success. “The City of Knoxville likes this event. They really do,” Pedro commented, sharing how grateful he was for the community’s backing.
As we began to wind down from the festive atmosphere, it was clear that Hola Ora Latina embodies a vision of a connected and harmonious community. “Even though we have different customs, we are one people,” Pedro noted. With cheers of joy still echoing in the air and plans already underway for next year, one thing is certain: this festival is here to stay!
So mark your calendars, Knoxville! Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, you won’t want to miss the magic of Hola Ora Latina in the future.
