Annual Fiesta brings Hispanic culture and heritage to Birmingham

Good music, good food and good vibes could be found all over Linn Park on Oct. 1 for the 2016 Fiesta Birmingham. Celebrating its 14th year, the Fiesta aimed to “educate the mainstream public about the many different Hispanic countries and cultures through the best of art, music, dance and food.”

As Hispanic artists from Latin and South America flooded the park with their music, guests from all over were welcomed to take a walk through the cultural village, which featured booths designed by Birmingham locals to showcase their heritage. “We try to be as inclusive [of all cultures] as we can,” said Fiesta board president Cristina Almanza. 

Food was also a major part of the festival, as the Fiesta included many local businesses’ and restaurants’ cuisine. “Obviously I think a big draw is the food,” she said. Visitors were encouraged to try traditional tacos, tamales, coconuts, elotes and fruit peppered with chili seasoning. 

Sponsored largely in part by McDonald’s, the event was able to include the McDonal’s Fiesta Tour, an annual Latin Grammy exhibit that plays tribute to Latin music. “There are only 20 cities in the country who get the McDonal’s Fiesta Tour,” said Almanza. “We’re very fortunate to have them here.”

With an expected 10,000 to 14,000 guests to walk through the Fiesta, Almanza guaranteed that there was something there for everyone.

“We’re just so proud to be a part of Birmingham,” she said.

Planning for the 2017 Fiesta is expected to begin in the weeks following the 2016 event.