Ottawa fest to celebrate Latin culture

The Latin Sparks festival will be headed to Ottawa this September, providing the tastes, sounds, and sights of Latin American culture.

The festival will be hosted by Clifton Stennett and Matty Jay, and feature a variety of entertainment across two different festival stages. The “Zona Fiesta” will feature live music in styles such as afro dancehall, reggaeton, and Latin Mix, as well as dance lessons in different Latin styles. The Zona Fuego will feature a live 10-piece band, Salseros with Attitude, as well as dance battles and DJs. Lessons are open to dancers of all levels, including newcomers to Latin dance styles.

The grounds will also be home to the Zona Mercado, with 15 food vendors offering tastes from across Latin America and beyond, including Paella Party, Mr. Churritos and Royi Street Cart. There will also be licensed drink vendors, merchandise for sale, and a soccer challenge from local team Atletico Ottawa. The festival aims to be family friendly, with children 12 and admitted free. This will be one of two instalments of the festival in Canada, with the other being staged in Toronto. Cultural festivals such as this often use methods like banner printing and original art to help create a festive presence.

The 2024 Latin Sparks Festival will take place in Ottawa on September 7 at LeBreton Flats.