Celebration of Hispanic Culture coming to Gables, Oct. 22-23

Gables Hispanic Cultural Foundation president and CEO Emilio Sauma, Jr., joins his wife, Lucy, in unveiling the official festival poster honoring Cuban master-artist Antonio Gattorno.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, the Gables Hispanic Cultural Foundation will host its seventh annual Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival, Oct. 22-23, on Biltmore Way in front of Coral Gables City Hall. Hours are Saturday, noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The festival is a two-day free event showcasing the diverse flavors of Hispanic heritage — and all cultures — that are present in the City Beautiful and throughout South Florida. The festival joins with local and international artists, musicians, boutiques, and area businesses, to celebrate and promote their contributions to the community.

In keeping with festival tradition, event organizers again pay homage to a great master painter from Latin America. This year, the foundation honors Cuban artist Antonio Gattorno by showcasing his work on the official festival poster for 2016.

During the Sept. 15 poster unveiling reception at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, foundation president and CEO Emilio Sauma Jr. said, “In our ongoing effort to make the festival more exciting and popular than ever, each year we invite different artists from around the world representing different cultures.”

Long-time sponsor Mercedes-Benz hosts the reception each year at its Almeria Avenue showroom to announce the annual festival poster selection.

“This being the seventh annual festival, we are also excited to provide a wide range of family-oriented entertainment, and an expanded range of food vendors representing more countries around the world,” Sauma added.

Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, Oct. 22-23, this colorful community festival attracts around 20,000 people each year. With a backdrop of live music and folkloric dance performances, residents and visitors are invited to walk through the artist and boutique pavilion to view original artwork, ceramics, and home décor, along with one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing items for sale. Visitors also will enjoy traditional fair-style food and cultural delicacies.

“And children absolutely love our Kids Pavilion, complete with bounce houses, face painting, and other family-fun activities,” said Lucy Sauma, also a foundation board member. “Also, please don’t leave your furry friends at home. Our pet-friendly event has a doggie booth stocked with water and snacks.”

A portion of festival proceeds goes to autism research and education. Primary event sponsors include L&R Structural Corp., Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, BB&T, La Colonia Medical Center, Radio Caracol 1260 AM, Actualidad 1020 AM, and Diario Las Américas.

Founded in 2010, Gables Hispanic Cultural Foundation Inc., is a Florida charitable, non-profit organization that is responsible for hosting the annual festival as well as numerous other fundraising events through the year.

The main charitable and educational purpose of the foundation is to enhance and promote Hispanic culture and appreciation of Hispanic Heritage, different cultures from around the world, education, and the arts in South Florida.

The Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Foundation is located at 4680 SW 72 Ave., Miami, FL 33155. For information, call 305-667-0577 or send an email to gablesfestival@gmail.com. Also visit www.gableshispanicfestival.com or www.facebook.com/gableshispanicfestival.


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