Arlington Heights Fiesta Cultura draws sold out crowds

A seductive couples' flamenco dance, performed every spring in the Spanish province of Seville, opened the Fiesta Cultural Sunday in Arlington Heights.

Dancers from Flamenco Triana in Chicago thrilled the crowd during the first of two performances at Forest View Educational Center, drawing audience members to clap and shout, "Ole!"

The fiesta drew many families with children, including Maria Marquez of Arlington Heights, a native of El Salvador.

"We dance for our church," said her daughter, Melissa Marquez, of her ensemble based at Mission San Juan Diego church in Arlington Heights. "We wanted to see the dancers here."

Others, like Ezequiel Navarrete of McHenry, a native of Mexico, came to be immersed in their culture.

"This brings me back to my childhood," Navarrete said.

For the first time in its 23 years, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials doubled the number of performances, in order to accommodate the hundreds of families who turn out each year.

"We've sold out for the last three years," said Sharon Romack, community education resource development coordinator. "By hosting two shows, we're able to accommodate 800 people, instead of just 450, and having to turn people away."

In its larger version, officials changed its name and enhanced its cultural offerings, but they kept their focus the same: celebrating diversity.

"This gives us a chance to recognize and celebrate all the pageantry and beauty of the rich Latino culture," said Michael Field, community education director.

Members of the award-winning Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl, performed during the second half. Based at Elgin Community College, the young troupe opened with a colorful dance from the southern coast of Veracruz, featuring the jarocho music.

One of its dancers, Yunuen Regalado, 14, of Hoffman Estates, followed in the footsteps of her parents, both natives of Mexico, who danced in their youth.

"I love traveling and sharing our culture," Regalado said. "I just love the dancing."

Music and dancing set the table for a day filled with Latino culture and traditions. Once the performances ended, families made their way into the fieldhouse -- designed to replicate a plaza -- filled with tables and vendor booths.

Along with their enchiladas and taco dinners, patrons could take salsa dancing lessons, as well as visit with educational officials from Roosevelt University, Harper College, District 214 continuing education, area banks, and other vendors.