Hispanic heritage was celebrated through music, food, art and dancing at the second annual Fiesta Latina en Irvine at the Great Park on Sunday, Sept. 17.
There were food trucks that specialized in Latino cuisines and music and dancing with mariachi bands and the Long Beach-based Estrellas Ballet Folklorico providing entertainment. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn salsa dancing.
Isabella Xelhuantzi, 6, performs with her dance group, Las Estrellas Ballet Folkloric, during the second annual Fiesta Latina in Irvine. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan thumbs-up the second annual Fiesta Latina in Irvine on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children crack up as Franklin Haynes teaches them Spanish words for colors using marionettes during Fiesta Latina in Irvine on Sunday, September 17, 2023. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children crack up as Franklin Haynes teaches them Spanish words for colors using marionettes during Fiesta Latina in Irvine on Sunday, September 17, 2023. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Jesus Mendez poses with his poodles, Moose, left, and Max, while his wife of 30 years, Teresa, takes a colorful picture during the Fiesta Latina in Irvine on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Natalie Benford, left, and Madeline Salas, both 10, with Las Estrellas Ballet Folklorico, perform during the second annual Fiesta Latina in Irvine. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children and adults watch performances during the second annual Fiesta Latina in Irvine on Sunday, September 17, 2023. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Isabella Xelhuantzi, 6, twirls with her dance partner while her dance group, Las Estrellas Ballet Folklorico, performs during the second annual Fiesta Latina in Irvine. The event celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The free event was hosted by the city to observe Hispanic Heritage Month, with officials inviting the community to learn about the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of various Latin American indigenous communities and those with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and Central and South American roots.
Fiesta Latina en Irvine was sponsored by UC Irvine and UCI Health.
