28th Annual Latin American Festival

Event Details

Celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures at the 28th annual Latin American Festival, Sunday, Oct. 13 at Wannamaker County Park! The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) invites you to relish authentic Latin American music, art, food and children’s activities, all inspired by cultures from around the globe.

Non-stop music will include everything from the beats of merengue, to reggaeton, bachata and salsa. All ages are invited to salsa to Latin rhythms by six-piece band Furia Tropikal from 1 – 2 p.m. Dance along with the Charlotte-based 12-piece band Orquesta Mayor from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., and end the day with the Dominican merengue phenomenon El Rey Tulile from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

The lively festival will also feature high-energy dance performances and demonstrations. Charleston-based Buen Ache Dance Company will open the festival at 12:30 p.m. The eccentric group specializes in telling stories through lively performances that emphasize African contribution to Latino culture, music and dance. With vibrant costumes and brilliant technique, its members draw on the folkloric dances of Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations. The thrilling Capoeira Charleston will take the stage at 2 p.m. and captivate spectators with their unique acrobatic skills. This Brazilian martial arts group showcases 500-year-old acrobatic movements, interactions and musical instruments to engage the audience and teach the Capoeira art form.

At 2:45 p.m., the audience can show off their dance moves as DJ Luigi of Latin Groove Charleston hosts a salsa dance contest, spinning the hottest salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and reggaeton hits. After visitors work up an appetite on the dance floor, they’re invited to get a taste of cuisine from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean – from flavorful empanadas to tasty arroz con pollo - along with traditional festival foods and beverages. Kids will enjoy jump castles, crafts and the Charleston County Public Library’s educational area at Cypress Hall.

Event admission to the Latin American Festival is $10. College students receive a discounted rate of $5 with a valid ID. Gold Pass holders and children ages 12 and under are free! No outside food, alcohol or coolers permitted. No dogs allowed. For more information, call (843) 795-4386, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com, or download our app. This event is made possible by Coca-Cola, The Boeing Company, Estrella Jalisco, Absolute Total Care, Charleston Animal Society and your Charleston County Parks.


Stage Schedule:
· 12:30 – 1 p.m. – Buen Ache Dance Company
· 1 – 2 p.m. – Furia Tropikal
· 2 – 2:45 p.m. – Capoeira Charleston
· 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. – Salsa Dance Contest with DJ Luigi of Latin Groove Charleston
· 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Orquesta Mayor
· 4:30 – 6 p.m. – El Rey Tulile