Latin Festival is designed as a free community celebration with event proceeds to Chattanooga State Foundation’s Latino Scholarship Fund and the Chattanooga State Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language Program offered in Highland Park since 2001.

Latin Festival 2016 has the spirit of a Caribbean carnival with fun for all ages and backgrounds. The event features traditional folkloric dance and musical performances by local artists and regional performers, a parade of nations, authentic food court, Pavilion of Faith, Latino-American soccer tournament, visual artists’ showcase, a Hispanic Heritage Fashion Show and plenty of family activities. 

Once again a unique part of Latin Festival is our Passport to Latin-American Challenge which is a fun cultural learning experience available for up to 500 participants. It will “challenge” people to connect with 16 educational booths and activities to learn about different Latin countries represented in Chattanooga. Goodie Bags will be available for participants completing the challenge.

New this year will be Latin Week “Semana Latina”. The Latin Week will kick off with Latin Festival and culminate with Sangria, a fundraising event for La Paz Chattanooga on Friday evening May 6. We will partner with La Paz Chattanooga, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Chattanooga Sports Ministries, YMCA Metro, Highland Park Neighborhood Association, Chattanooga Neighborhood Association, CGLA, Chattanooga Zoo, 21 Hispanic Churches, Chattanooga Football Club, Chattanooga Police Department and some of the private and public schools to develop a diverse program.

Stay tuned for more details about Latin Week and Latin Festival in the coming months.