Celebrate Latino traditions Oct. 11 at Dist. 214 festival

Celebrate the pageantry and color of the Latino cultures from noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, at District 214 Community Education's Fiesta Cultural.

Ballet Folkórico Huehuecoyotl headlines the entertainment on two stages at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights.

Other entertainers are Mariachi Real Azteca, Mariachi Durango and Latin jazz group Andaje Bohemio. Additional dance groups are Los Cinco Magnificos del la Quebradita, Sol Azteca and Sentimientos Boliviano.

Attendees will learn how to salsa with local dance instructors from Studio Viva in Palatine. Food is available from El Sombrero in Mount Prospect and Lupita's Bakery in Wheeling. Arts and crafts from a variety of local artisans will be on display and for sale.

"Events such as this allow us to celebrate the diversity of our community," says Michael S. Field, director of community education. "The more we learn about the cultures that comprise our community, the stronger we become."

Fiesta Cultural is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and sponsored by Reflejos Newspaper.

Students from many of the District 214 high schools and participants in Community Education's Women's Center are serving as volunteers.

Tickets for Fiesta Cultural are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children under 10 are free. Call District 214 Community Education at (847) 718-7700 to order tickets.