NEW ORLEANS — For the second year in a row, Fiesta Fest will be taking over the courtyard at Mid-City Market on Saturday, September 15, and it promises to be the best one yet! Fiesta Fest commemorates the independence of Mexican and Central American countries, many of which celebrate their national sovereignty in September during National Hispanic Heritage month.
Fiesta Fest is an expression of Latino culture and community. The experience will feature live music, dance, authentic Mexican food, and of course, the best rocks and frozen, fresh-squeezed margaritas around. The entertainment lineup includes José Fermín Salsa Orchestra & Merengue4-FOUR, Ballet Folklórico Vive MI Tierra, Garifuna Community Foundation, Inc. Cultural Dance Group, and more.
"This is a fiesta to celebrate our history while taking pride in the new generations of Latinos that call New Orleans home," says Ericka Perez, restaurant manager. "Many of our team members are from all over Mexico and Central America. I emigrated from Honduras and am happy to have built a life for myself in a place like New Orleans where diversity is celebrated. Fiesta Fest was our idea, so we are excited to celebrate our traditions with the community."
The Greater New Orleans area has a long history of cultural and economic ties with Mexico and Central America. Which is why when Felipe's opened its doors more than 11 years ago, the family-owned restaurant knew its food had to be fresh, and its recipes authentic.
"We take great pride in creating all of our recipes from scratch. Our team members arrive at work before sunrise to start dicing, slicing, peeling, and marinating. Our recipes are influenced by several regions of Mexico and Central America where our team members are from, which is why it's extra special for us to share our menu not just every day, but during a celebration like Fiesta Fest," says Perez.
Fiesta Fest 2018 would not be possible without the following sponsors: PERFORMANCE Foodservice Caro, Hancock Whitney Bank, Giraphic Prints, New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Republic National Distributing Company, and MDP Insurance.
Fiesta Fest will take place on Saturday, September 15 from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. at Mid-City Market at 411 N. Carrollton Avenue, located in a vibrant corridor at the heart of New Orleans. The central location is easily accessible via a short drive or bike ride from so many New Orleans neighborhoods. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found on the Facebook Fiesta Fest event page.