COVID-19 isn't going to stop Vancouver's Carnaval del Sol from celebrating Latin American culture this summer.
While it might look a little different than previous iterations, the Latincouver Cultural & Business Society's annual festival returned on Wednesday, July 15 for its 12th edition. The festivities, which this year include a wide variety of at-home and in-person events in addition to a newly-launched online series, are set to run until Aug. 9.
“Carnaval del Sol is a celebration of life, diversity and human connection; something our community needs more than ever. We found a way to connect and celebrate while staying safe, entertained, and positive," said Paola Murillo, Latincouver's executive director, in a release. "This year you will get to experience Latin America from your own home or at one of our local events. We wish to add our part to the resiliency this beautiful city has shown."
The festival's new six-episode series, titled “Across the Americas”, aims to "showcase Latin American culture through music, cooking demos, dance performances, art exhibits, exquisite travel destinations, social innovation initiatives, and much more," as it runs from July 15 to Aug. 8. According to organizers, each episode is set to feature local, national and international Latin talent, "from Vancouver to Patagonia and back." Episodes can be watched via the festival's YouTube and Facebook channels.
Carnaval del Sol is also hosting a "Latin American Experience," encapsulated by four different events - two online and two in-person. The events include:
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Art Experience & Blockchain, an online event scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring an interactive workshop via Zoom about art and technology with Colombian-born, New York-based artist Jessica Angel
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Discovering Latin America’s Indigenous Territories, and online event taking place Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. that will showcasing the stories and lives of women from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Vancouver
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Latin American Women Flourishing in Canada a live event set for Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 pm. at the Loft Lounge on Denman Street. According to the release, this workshop will include Latin American women sharing their stories and a panel discussion about “Feminism and Leadership”
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Flamenco Night, the festival's final live event, takes place on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring (physically-distanced) singing and dancing at the Granville Island Pavilion
The biggest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest is also bringing its festivities to the North Shore this summer, with a mini carnaval (or "Carnavalito" del Sol, if you will) taking over the Lonsdale Quay Market from Aug. 7 to 9, to highlight the best of Latin American food, music, and culture.
Following "a thoughtfully planned transformation to ensure we bring joy while staying safe," Carnaval del Sol organizers also launched a new partnership program with over a dozen local restaurants and artists to coincide with this year's festival, "to support them during these challenging times."
During the weekend of Aug. 7 to 9, fans of Latin American cuisine will be able to score some deals and enjoy live music at a wide variety participating restaurants, including La Taquería (Mexican), Boteco Brasil Food (Brazilian), Cafe Oca Brazilian Bistro (Brazilian), The Cambie Bar & Grill (Bar Grill), Sal y Limon (Mexican), The Loft Lounge (Caribbean), Bodega On Main (Spanish), Zocalo Modern Cantina (Mexican), La Casita Restaurant (Mexican), Provence Marinaside (Mediterranean), Tequila Cocina (Mexican), Charqui (Caribbean), and La Cantina (Mexican).
For more information, head to Carnaval del Sol's website.
