TIFTON, Ga. — At this year’s La Fiesta Del Pueblo, people from all over South Georgia came out to show their support for people of Hispanic heritage.

Event co-founder Dina Willis said the committee behind La Fiesta has been working all year to make sure 2019 was a success for the whole community. Though the focus of the celebration is on Hispanic culture, Willis believes it is for everyone (that extends to intergalactic visitors this year with the 501st Legion, a Star Wars fan club that likes to participate in community events dressed in storm trooper and Darth Vader costumes).

While many think of Mexico when they hear Spanish, part of the purpose of Fiesta Del Pueblo is to showcase the numerous cultures and countries included in Hispanic heritage. There were representatives and artistic displays from many Latino countries and indigenous backgrounds.

Jessica Maldonado, an ABAC student and Cultura Latina Club president, demonstrated a traditional Colombian dance called a cumbia. She mentioned the importance of different voices and cultural expressions.

“The Hispanic culture isn’t just about Mexico,” Maldonado said. “It’s not just one specific place. It’s very diverse.”

There were various performances from Peruvian Apu Inka dancers and Grupo de Danza Mexica/Azteca Tonacuauhtli.

Cesar Tolentino, leader of the Grupo de Danza, said the name of the group means “energy from the sun” in the native language of Nahuatl.   

Along with the dancers, the mariachi musicians were a hit. Mariachi Garibaldi livened the crowd while Maria “Lupita” Pineda sang several traditional mariachi songs, including one she called, “La Choncla.” Pineda has performed at the event in previous years. She is glad to be part of something where so many people can experience Hispanic heritage. “Whether it’s the music or the dances, you don’t have to understand it all to enjoy it,” she said.

The mission of La Fiesta Del Pueblo is multifaceted. It was founded to help “strengthen the network of Hispanics” living in South Georgia. It was also to help educate, inform, and promote cultural awareness to the residents of the area. The first event was held in Omega in 1996 and has been a staple in Tift County ever since.

This year’s event had a special tent. It was dedicated to displaying t-shirts from previous years, a mosaic from an artist from Mexico, and a memorial table for event co-founder Luz Marti, who passed away in 2017.

The tent also housed submissions for a piñata contest.

Individuals created piñatas with a cultural message or a tie back to their familial countries.

The winner of the competition was Maria Llamas, who took 1st place for her depiction of a Mexican girl. Misael Vasquez earned 2nd place with his colorful paper mache illustration of a united world.

Willis said the event wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers and the committee. She also credits numerous sponsors who have stepped up in recent years such as the Howard Center, Tift Regional Medical Center, Georgia Power and Coca Cola.