CELEBRATING THEIR CULTURE: Recordando Mi Tierra, which presents dances from Costa Rica, is among numerous groups performing on two stages on Sunday, September 28 as part of the Princeton Festival Cultural Latino.
By Anne Levin
When she set out to plan this year’s festival celebrating Hispanic culture in Princeton, Veronica Olivares Weber wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Recent raids by ICE have created a climate of fear among much of the town’s Hispanic community, who might elect to stay home rather than gather in public for the annual event.
But after much thought and consideration, and meetings with Princeton Public Library’s Public Programming Librarian Janie Hermann (the library is a partner), Weber has decided that the Princeton Festival Cultural Latino will indeed take place. The free event is set for Sunday, September 28 from 1-5 p.m. at Hinds Plaza and in Palmer Square. As always, it is about showcasing the cultures of Latin America through music, dance, food, and the work of local artisans.
“I was personally very concerned,” Weber said. “I met with Janie, and we talked about it. And I looked around at other towns. Some have gone ahead with things like this, others have not. I decided we shouldn’t be afraid of continuing this tradition. I’m hoping we can bring some joy to the community, and can continue to celebrate our heritage.”
The festival has grown since its first appearance nearly a decade ago, when it was known as Mercado Festival Latino. Mi Pueblo Lindo, which Weber founded, is partnering with the library and Palmer Square for the event. Co-sponsors include Princeton University Art Museum, McCarter Theatre Center, the Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton University’s Program in Latin American Studies, and the University’s Department of Spanish and Portugese Spanish.
Palmer Square performances begin with Mariachi Los Tigres of Princeton, followed by Samb’In Princeton, Princeton Capoeira, Alborada Dance Theatre, and the University’s Mass Flow. Around the corner at Hinds Plaza, the lineup includes DJ Carlos Hendricks, VF Dance and Fitness, and Recordando Mi Tierra. Samb’In Princeton and Princeton Capoeira do double duty, coming over from Palmer Square to perform on the Hinds Plaza stage.
Additional partners include the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, Princeton Garden Theatre, the Princeton YMCA and YWCA, and Princeton University Press. Winberie’s restaurant will be selling tacos and margaritas. Other food vendors will be on hand.
The family-friendly event includes artful face-painting, done by staff from Princeton University.
“They do an amazing job,” said Weber, who is originally from Mexico. “They bring their own supplies. I think it’s beautiful that they do this.”
Weber plans to send an email to Princeton Police Chief Chris Tash to make sure of a police presence at the festival. But she is hoping that fear won’t keep people away.
“I am an advocate of the immigrant community, and I am in contact with families all the time,” she said. “I hear on a daily basis when something is happening. But in my conversations with families and the people who are participating, they want to go ahead with this. They are not willing to live in fear. We’re going to continue what we love doing and celebrating Hispanic month. We are proud, and we will continue to do what we do.”