Experience the tastes and traditions of Charleston’s Latin American community

Celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures at the Latin American Festival, Sunday, Oct. 6 at Wannamaker County Park, from 12 – 5 p.m.!

Charleston County Parks invites you to immerse yourself in the authentic music, dance and food found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This annual festival brings people together to celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin cultures through non-stop merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic foods – from flavorful empanadas to tasty arroz con pollo.

This year’s live music lineup will feature Billo’s Caracas Boys and the NC Brazilian Arts Project. New this year, samba lessons will be held at the event stage at 1 p.m. The annual Salsa Dance Contest will take place at 2:30 p.m. An event schedule for the main stage is as follows:

• 12 p.m.: Gates open
• 1 – 1:15 p.m.: Samba Lessons
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: NC Brazilian Arts Project
• 2:30 – 3 p.m.: Salsa Contest
• 3:15 – 5 p.m.: Billo’s Caracas Boys

Musical headliner Billo’s Caracas Boys is a 16-piece Venezuelan orchestra that was founded in 1940. The band has not only been considered one of the best Latin orchestras, but also one of the most influential Latin American musical groups of all time. Billo’s Caracas Boys will perform starting at 3:15 p.m.

Performing at 1:30 p.m., the NC Brazilian Arts Project was founded in 2016 by Brazilian culture aficionados in the Charlotte and the Triangle areas. The NCBAP works toward fulfilling their dreams of deepening their knowledge and sharing their passion of Brazilian movement forms such as samba, samba reggae, afro-brazilian dance, capoeira, maculelê and percussion.

Children’s games and an educational area will also be presented by the Charleston County Public Library. Food, beverages and souvenirs will be available for purchase for an additional fee.

Admission to the Latin American Festival is $25 per vehicle of up to 15 people; admission will be purchased at the event gate (no advance ticket sales). Gold Pass holders are admitted free. No outside food, alcohol or coolers permitted. Pets are not allowed at this event. Accessible parking and accessible restrooms will be available at this event. An accessibility tent with Kulture City sensory bags for checkout will be available, as well as a quiet area.

For additional information on the Latin American Festival, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link) or call 843-795-4386. The Latin American Festival is made possible by your Charleston County Parks.

About Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

Owned by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, Wannamaker County Park is located at 8888 University Boulevard in North Charleston, SC (Hwy 78). The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, a skate park, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, a historic plantation site, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.