The University of Mississippi’s first Latin Fest promises to be unlike any other day. On Saturday, April 6, the public is invited to play games, participate in beginner bachata lessons, watch a performance by a traditional Aztec dancing group, ride a mechanical shark and indulge in catering from the Taco Shop and snow cones from 6:30-9 p.m. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Latin Fest will also feature several local vendors from the Oxford community. Some items sold by the vendors will include candles, cosmetics and bags.
Latin Fest is hosted by the Latin American Student Organization, which is dedicated to fostering a community at UM for Latin American students to feel closer to home, to connect people who come from similar backgrounds and to encourage students to learn about Latin American culture.
LASO President Farah Emilia Jaentschke, a senior English major from Jackson, Miss., said the event was inspired by her experience attending the annual Jackson Latin Fest in her youth.
“LASO always has Latin parties, but I also wanted to have a more family friendly event to give to people coming out. I’m from Jackson, and during Hispanic Heritage Month, there’s this big Latin festival that happens,” Jaentschke said. “I used to go when I was a child. I thought it was a lot of fun to work on, and I thought it would be fun to do something like that at Ole Miss with LASO.”
Designed for both the UM and the Oxford community to celebrate Latin American culture, Latin Fest is the first of its kind on the UM campus.
“This is the first (Latin Fest) with hopefully more to come,” Jaentschke said. “I’ve been trying to expand (LASO) and get more people to hear about it, and this will really help more people get immersed in Latin American culture.”
Jaentschke said the first 15 people to attend the event will also receive a free Hotbox Hibachi burrito.
“Bring your friends and family and come ready to have fun, dance and enjoy Latin music,” Jaentschke said.
