News Summary
The 47th annual Hispanic Festival will take place at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, celebrating Latin American culture with diverse entertainment, delicacies, and local businesses. The festival aims to raise funds for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and promises a vibrant atmosphere for families and community members to come together and enjoy. Organizers encourage early attendance for families with young children due to the anticipated evening crowds.
Grand Rapids will host the 47th annual Hispanic Festival from August 1-3, 2024, at Calder Plaza, located at 320 Ottawa Ave. NW. The festival, which celebrates the rich culture, music, cuisine, and heritage of Latin America, is a highly anticipated event in the community. It will kick off on Friday, running from 5 p.m. to midnight, and continue through Saturday from noon to midnight, with the final day on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
This year, the festival is being organized in collaboration with Gentex Corporation and Trinity Health, demonstrating support from local businesses and organizations. The Hispanic Festival is recognized as the largest annual fundraiser for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, and every dollar raised during the three-day event directly benefits essential programs and services within the community.
The president of the Hispanic Center highlighted that the festival serves as a vibrant reflection of Latin American culture and provides an opportunity for community members to gather and celebrate together. Attendees will enjoy a diverse range of local, regional, and international entertainment and culinary delights, enhancing the festival’s appeal.
Families with young children, specifically those with kids aged 10 and under, are advised to attend earlier in the evening before 9 p.m. This recommendation is due to potential crowds and higher music volumes as the night progresses.
This year’s festival will feature 20 local businesses participating in the Mercado, offering a variety of goods that showcase the cultural richness of various Latin American countries. This marketplace aspect of the festival not only promotes local businesses but also enriches the festival’s cultural offerings.
In its 47 years of existence, the Hispanic Festival has become a cornerstone of the Grand Rapids community, drawing visitors from surrounding areas who wish to immerse themselves in a celebration of Latin American culture. The festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to experience traditional music, dance performances, and culinary tastings that reflect the diverse backgrounds of Latin American nations.
As the festival approaches, organizers encourage community members and those interested in learning more about the event to visit the festival’s official website for additional information and updates on the schedule and performances. The festival is a prime opportunity for attendees of all ages to engage with and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of the Hispanic community in Grand Rapids.
With its combination of entertainment, cultural education, and support for local initiatives, the Hispanic Festival continues to play a vital role in promoting understanding and appreciation of Latin American heritage within the broader community. Don’t miss your chance to partake in this lively event that showcases the spirit of togetherness and cultural diversity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Ends After 55 Years
Additional Resources
- MLive: Hispanic Festival Returns
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Festival
- Little Guide Detroit: Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
- Wood TV: Photo Gallery Hispanic Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic Heritage
- MLive: Muskegon County Latino Festival Cancellation
- Google News: Muskegon County Latino Festival
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
