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Those who attend Celebraci-n Latina will enjoy the tastes, sounds and dancing of Hispanic culture.
Warsaw Parks Department will host its fifth annual Celebraci-n Latina in Central Park Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m.
The festival, which comes days before Hispanic Heritage Month, replaced Warsaw's Cinco de Mayo festival in 2000 and now celebrates a broader history of Latin America.
"The festival is a diverse event designed to break down cultural walls and barriers and promote a family atmosphere," Parks Department Activities Director Janelle Wilson said.
"We try to organize the event with fun activities for everyone."
The event is free to the public and will feature a children's area from 1 to 4 p.m. Pi-atas, pony rides, balloon animals and face painting will be available through vendors at the east picnic shelter and parking lot.
There will be four singers and two dance groups that will perform during this year's festival.
"We try to break up the activities during the day so people can come and go as they please and then come at night for the singers and dancers," Wilson said.
Singers include Andres Carrizales, Ligonier; Adan Hernandez, Chicago; Grupo Guapachoso Show, Elgin, Ill.; and new to this year's lineup is Mariachi Band Zelaya, Indianapolis.
Las Chicanas, reggeton dancers from Fort Wayne, will perform, as will Columbian and Mexican dancers.
Food vendors will sell ethnic foods, Mexican candy, burritos, fajitas, corn on the cob and Ecuadorian food.
Other food such as kettle corn and hot dogs will be available.
Local businesses will have tents set up with information about their businesses at the festival. There is still room for businesses to participate in the festival.
The festival had 4,000 people attend last year and Wilson said she expects the same amount this year.
"People should come out and enjoy the music, food, dancing and activities that are a part of the Hispanic culture," Wilson said.
Businesses interested in participating in the vendor tents at the festival may call Wilson at 574-372-9554.
