Events

Latin American colours, flavours and rhythm return to Bukit Bintang

Hosted by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Peru, the festival celebrates Latin America's friendship with Malaysia

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 26 Sep 2022 9:00AM

Latin American colours, flavours and rhythm return to Bukit Bintang — The 13th Latin American Festival took place at Commons KL, Bukit Bintang yesterday, from 11am to 5.30pm. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim, September 26, 2022

by Amalina Kamal

THE 13th Latin American Festival took place at Commons KL, Bukit Bintang yesterday, with representatives from seven embassies, hosting the whole day event which boasted authentic food, drinks, dance, music and cultural exchanges.

Hundreds of people gathered to experience exclusive Latin American fare that were made available to the public. Bazaar tents filled with goods and merchandise were also set up to cater to interested shoppers in the area.

Visitors were entertained with colourful performances from the seven Latin American nations. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim

Argentinian ambassador H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas leads the body responsible for organising the day’s festival.

The Dean of the GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Caribbean) embassies shared: “The turnout this year is refreshing and a much needed one considering the event having to be more subdued when the pandemic hit.

Plenty of authentic Latin American cuisine was served for visitors who wanted a taste of something different. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim

“Over the last two years we had to do it virtually and within closed doors with tight SOPs.

“I am happy that for the 13th edition, the festival is able to return to its original venue, in which you can see it has gone through an update when it comes to the look and feel."

From cigars to handicrafts, these are just some of the goods and merchandise sold at the festival. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim

The festival started early at 11am with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a children's parade, cultural performances, including from Malaysia as part of the merrymaking.

Among the cultural performances were the Mexican Dance by Flores de Mexico Folkloric, Argentinian Tango by Iskandar and Alysza, Peruvian Zampona and Quena music by Manuel Granados, Chilean Cueca Dance by Chile ambassador H.E. Diego Velasco and many more.

Argentinian ambassador H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas, next to probably the most famous Argentinian on the planet. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah was also present to officiate the event.

Apart from cuisines native to the respective embassies’ country of origin, each booth also featured authentic handicrafts and helpful tourism information for those keen on making travel plans.

A boy has a picture taken with one of the models at the festival. – The Vibes pic/Nooreeza Hashim

“Those who are not able to join us today can be sure that there will be more activities related to Latin American culture. The next is our upcoming film fest in which we will also be doing it in satellite cities outside of KL, such as Ipoh,” noted Manuel. – The Vibes, September 26, 2022