Arlington Hts. Hispanic Festival takes on new look, new name

This year's Latino celebration at Forest View Educational Center in Arlington Heights is so different, organizers changed the name.

"This has been a long-standing tradition in our community for a number of years and we just decided it was time for a change," said Michael Field, director of community education for Northwest Suburban High School District 214 and an organizer of the event.

The former "Hispanic Festival" will now be called the "Fiesta Cultural." It will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the educational center, which is at 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights.

This year, the event will feature new music and food. Also instead of one show, there will be two identical shows -- one at 2 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. Both Ballet Folkorico Huehuecoyotl and Flamenco Triana will perform at both shows.

Between shows from 4 to 6 p.m., Fiesta attendees will gather in "La Plaza," indoors at the Forest View Educational Center, to enjoy a traditional feast of enchiladas, tacos, rice and refried beans provided by El Sombrerito Restaurant. There will also be salsa music and dance lessons, Field said.

"We're hoping people will gather in the overlap period after the first show ends and before the second one begins," Field said.

Typically, the event draws about 450 people. Because of the two times, attendance this year could more than 800 people, Field said.

Much of the Hispanic population in the area may be of Mexican origin but there are other prevalent groups, which is why the program always features dancers and music from other countries, Field said.

"We also want this event to be something non-Latinos enjoy," he said.

Tickets for the Fiesta Cultural include dinner and are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years old. To order tickets call (847) 718-7700. For information in Spanish, call (847) 718-7722.

Although tickets will be available at the door, the event has sold out in the past, Field said.

If you go

What: Fiesta Cultural

When: Performances at 2 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, with dinner at 4 p.m.

Where: Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights

Also: Tickets for the Fiesta Cultural include dinner and are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years old

Call: To order tickets, call (847) 718-7700.

En Espanol: (847) 718-7722