Downtown Marion comes alive with music, dance, food and celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Culturas Unidas Festival returns to Main Street from 3 to 8 p.m.
The free festival celebrates the culture, traditions and contributions of Western North Carolina’s Hispanic and Latino communities and has grown into one of Marion’s signature events, welcoming thousands of people to downtown Marion.
But Culturas Unidas is more than a fall festival. Its roots reach back to Mira Nuestras Voces, or See Our Voices, a public art project created to make the stories, ancestors and cultures of the local Latino community more visible. Culturas Unidas grew from that same idea, creating a gathering place where people can experience the many cultures and traditions represented within the community.
This year, Main Street will be filled with music and dance throughout the afternoon and evening. Furia Tropikal opens the festival with a tribute to Central America, followed by performances from Mariachi Juvenil Los García, Ballet Folklórico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz and Banda Los Guanajuatenses. The program also includes Aztec dance and a grand finale with live music.
Beyond the stage, more than 80 vendors and organizations will line Main Street, along with Latin food, a Kids Zone, raffles and other activities. The festival will also recognize the winners of its annual art contest and present the Culturas Unidas Awards honoring community leadership and service.
What began as an effort to make Latino stories more visible has become a celebration in the heart of downtown Marion, bringing cultures, languages, traditions and generations together on Main Street.
The Culturas Unidas Festival is free and takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. in downtown Marion.
