Latin Festival Relaunches After One Year Hiatus

Students in Chinelos costumes paraded on stage as the band played traditional Mexican music. *Photo: Deborah Zeleny*

By KRISTYN MOORE

The author was a stage crew member of Latin Fest.

Euphoria spread across the stage as a mariachi band, traditional costumes, quinceañera modeling, and cultural dances set the mood on October 26 at the Latin Festival. Featuring students of all grades, the show provided a space to celebrate a variety of Latin American cultures.

“Once I was told about how we were going to be able to dance bachata, cumbia, merengue, and other dances, it intrigued the Mexican in me!” said senior Maile Veliz.

Marcelino Zambrano ’23, one of the dancers, described the show as “a rollercoaster ride of experiences.”

The hosts Danielle Escobar ’25 and Frantz Adule ’23 kicked things off along with Midwood's band, which played a traditional Mexican song to introduce Los Chinelos, costumed dancers disguised in colorful tunics, masks, and large hats that were originally designed to mock the Spanish ruling class.

Next came dancers performing the Folklorico, in which twirling skirts play an essential part. Afterward came a mariachi performance featuring musicians who traveled from Queens to be in the festival.

“Watching the dancers was amazing,” said sophomore Isabella Mason. “It lowkey inspired me to do Asian Fest or Kwanzaa Fest.”

Mr. Pinsky joined hosts Danielle Escobar ’25 and Frantz Adule ‘23 on stage with his guitar. *Photo: Deborah Zeleny*

“Honestly I’m beyond thankful for everyone and the dedication they put in,” said senior Yelena Lucero. “Being president of Pa’lante is my pride and joy because we are a smaller community in Midwood but everyone was up for the challenge. I truly couldn’t have asked for more.”

“Latin Fest had a touch of authenticity that I think is not often seen in high school plays,” said junior Hillary Hernandez. “It put out positivity and pride in a way that was celebratory of all Latin cultures.”

This year represented the revival of a fairly young tradition at Midwood. The first ever Latin Fest was held in October 2019. The production went virtual in 2020 due to remote learning, then skipped 2021 altogether due to Covid precautions, rushed schedules, and confusion over leadership. The return of the production brought a lot of emotions.

“There was no feeling like standing in front of a cheering crowd,” said Mr. Max Pinsky, a Spanish teacher who also played guitar in the festival. “That’s definitely something we missed in the pandemic.”

Audience member Romy Swisa ’24 said, “Overall, I thought the show was a joy to watch. The music, the dancing, the singing, and the talent were truly jaw-dropping.”

Latin Fest is the first of Midwood’s cultural festivals. Kwanzaa Fest is scheduled for the winter, and Asian Fest is planned for spring.

Mr. Julio Hernandez, another Spanish teacher, said, “I think cultural festivals are important. We are a really diverse school and Latin Fest was a representation of what that looks like.”

Mr. Pinsky added, “It’s important that all of our students feel like their identity is affirmed. [Those diverse identities] are something we should highlight every chance we get.”

“Representation matters, for all cultures,” said Mr. Hernandez, who likes the idea of expanding Midwood’s cultural fests and “touching every corner of the world.”