The City of Bloomington invites community members and visitors to Fiesta del Otoño (Fall Festival) on Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. This free, family-friendly celebration will be held in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market at Showers Plaza in front of City Hall (401 N. Morton St.). Free parking is available in the Morton Street parking garage and in several lots nearby (please see map below).
The theme of Fiesta del Otoño 2019 is “Trabajando juntos por Nuestra Comunidad,” which translates to “Working Together for Our Community.” The event will feature educational opportunities and entertainment that showcase Hispanic cultures, including a performance by Mariachi Zelaya, a stroll by Latinx Greek organizations, and a community performance of “Jarabe Tapatio,” a traditional Mexican dance. Nearby, a dance competition will give visitors the chance to show off their own moves in salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and other genres. In a kids’ zone, children and families can learn how to make traditional Latin American crafts, play loteria (Mexican bingo), and more.
“As a Latina, I know how important it is to strengthen bonds in our community. Working together will make our community and our nation stronger,” said City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce. “During National Hispanic Heritage Month we want to recognize the contributions and influence made in our community and country by the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrate our heritage and culture through our commitment to family, our strong work ethic, and service to our community.”
Fiesta del Otoño is a partnership between the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and Gamma Phi Omega, the first Latina-oriented sorority founded at Indiana University.
A complete list of the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming is available here. Information about additional programming is available through IU’s La Casa Latino Cultural Center and El Central Comunal Latino.
For additional information about Fiesta del Otoño, please contact Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce at lucej@bloomington.in.gov or by phone at 812-349-3860.
