Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival to transform City’s Arts Precinct
Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival is parading into town, bringing residents and guests a two-month celebration of colourful stories, music and art.
The festival is on throughout February and March with the highly anticipated main event, Ventana Fiesta, taking place on Saturday 29 February.
Whether you fancy a Latin dancing, drumming and singing workshop, browsing fine art or relaxing with live music and a sangria in hand, the festival promises something for everyone.
On Fiesta day, guests will be treated to five roving parades inspired by carnivals in Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Italy and Argentina. These parades will weave around Frankston’s Arts Precinct, from Cube 37 to the Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) foyer and down to the Library Forecourt.
The Library Forecourt will be transformed into ‘Little Mexico’, where guests will experience Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling), Mariachi music and mouth-watering Mexican street food.
As well picking up a tasty bite to eat and taking in some live music, visitors to the FAC can browse artisan craft stalls, with a modern twist.
City of Frankston Mayor Sandra Mayer says, “Ventana Fiesta gives the community a chance to come together and celebrate the colour and fun of Latin food, music
and fashion.”
Shoppers will discover Mexican pop art and Colombian fine art, as well as hand-crafted bags, clothing and accessories from many Latin cultures.
Other Ventana Fiesta highlights include an interactive fashion runway, food demonstrations from the global kitchen and performances by Mexican pop band Playa Limbo. Young festival-goers will enjoy craft activities and a performing arts installation just for them!
Interactive feature installation, A Mile in My Shoes, will be on display at the Library Forecourt between Thursday 27 February and Sunday 15 March.
Visitors will enter a giant shoe box, see a range of shoes and hear a corresponding story about the person who wore them. The exhibition is about experiencing the world from a stranger’s perspective and is presented by Arts Centre Melbourne as part of its Betty Amsden Participation Program.
This year, the theme of Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival is wellbeing. Amongst the many scheduled events is an opportunity to unwind and de-stress with Wayapa ‘Aboriginal Yoga’ where you can enjoy a meditative walk and a gentle outdoors movement class followed by a healing herbal tea. Tickets are $25 each. Bookings are required.
Or experience a traditional Cuban Santería Beach Ceremony and discover its healing properties, while celebrating the beauty of the environment through ritualistic chanting. This is a free family-friendly activity and no bookings are required.
You can also dabble in Latin dancing, drumming and singing for children, beginners or advanced in the field which is a free event and no bookings are required. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable attire!
The mayor also states, “It is a real feast for the senses so grab your family and friends and come down to the Arts Precinct to have a meal, a dance and take in the spectacular!”
What: Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival, throughout February and March, including main event, Ventana Fiesta on Saturday 29 February, 1-9pm.
Frankston Arts Precinct (Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston Library Forecourt and Cube 37)