International Culture Fest: Saint John enjoyed music and entertainment from the Latin American community

Hundreds of inhabitants and visitors to the city of Saint John enjoyed a diverse and colorful day during One for All District - International Culture Fest on the occasion of the Memorial Cup 2022 celebrations, a national hockey tournament held in the city from 18 to June 26, organized by the Saint John Newcomers Centre. Latin American culture was strongly represented in the festivities, with presentations at a stand with typical costumes and song and dance numbers, on a stage at the corner of Canterbury Street and Princess Street.

Throughout the day, the event had the presence of a Red Latina stand with an exhibition of typical Mexican clothing and entertainment for children, led by Rosy Sanchez and Melissa Villarreal, members of the board of directors of the Red Latina de South West New Brunswick.

At 1:00 pm, Antonio Aguilar (guitar and voice), Dmitry Myzdrikov (violin), Josue Arce (guitar and voice) and Daniel Meza (guitar and voice) sang together, interpreting the famous Mexican songs "La Rondalla" and "Cielito Lindo" representing the Latin Network of South West New Brunswick.

Tania Valbuena led outdoor dance classes at 2:00 pm, also representing the network, where Canadian and international attendees gleefully danced to Colombian salsa beats by icon Joe Arroyo.

Then, Nágila De Almeida was part of the fashion show "Colors Fashion Show," wearing a typical dress from Abu Dhabi. Likewise, Adilem Areche represented the Dominican Republic with her clothing.

At 5 pm, after several other international presentations, the Latino community showed up again. In the turn of Venezuela and Colombia, Juan Carlos Silva and Tania Valbuena, to the rhythm of a contagious choreography that made the audience groove, danced the songs "Cachondeo" by Fruko y sus Tesos, "La rebelión" by Joe Arrojo, the classic "La pollera colora" by Juan Bautista Madera, and "Con la mano en el moño" by Un Solo Pueblo.

In Peru's turn, immediately after, the group of Daniel Meza (vocals and guitar), Josué Arce (vocals and ukulele) and Tania Valbuena (vocals), presented the songs "Morenita Verde Luna", "La Distancia," and "Cariñito." In closing, the performers made the audience sing the song's refrain with a Latin rhythm.

In Canterbury Street, people from other parts of the world also, had shows and stands from African, Asian and Arab cultures.

During this joyful afternoon, it became clear that the Latin culture came to add and make the cultural environment of Saint John more diverse and inclusive. From the Latin American community in Saint John, a big thank you goes out to all the participants and volunteers who made our presence possible.