Rhythm Is Gonna Get You

by Jeannine Gage

This fall, the communities of Oviedo and Casselberry will come alive with vibrant festivals celebrating the rhythms, flavors, and colors of Hispanic and Latino cultures. The event in Oviedo is a brand-new addition to Seminole County’s cultural landscape, while Casselberry’s festival is a popular local tradition. Both events will feature family-friendly fun, with infectious music, delicious food, and eye-catching art that pays tribute to our region’s diverse  cultural roots.

Introducing ¡Viva Oviedo! Festival

An exciting new tradition is coming to our community this fall with the launch of the ¡Viva Oviedo! Festival. The inaugural event will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19 at the Oviedo Amphitheatre & Cultural Center, 357 Center Lake Lane. The festival promises a colorful blend of music, food, art, and fun for all ages.

Abraham López, one of the organizers, says Oviedo was chosen as the festival’s home for a reason.

“The City of Oviedo, with its historical ties to its namesake city in northern Spain, offers a fitting backdrop for this community celebration,” he says. “The festival will honor the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Americans of Hispanic ancestry.”

The event is the brainchild of a steering committee made up of Hispanic leaders from Seminole County’s business, academic, civic, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors. Their goal is to create a nonpartisan, inclusive event that reflects the unity and vibrancy of the local Hispanic community.

“These leaders are working together to celebrate the lasting impact of Hispanic Americans on the City of Oviedo, Seminole County, the State of Florida, and our nation,” says Abraham.

Festival attendees will enjoy live music and cultural performances, a wide array of food vendors, and local artisans and small businesses offering unique products. There will also be plenty of children’s activities. General admission will be free.Abraham has high hopes for ¡Viva Oviedo!

 “We want this to become Seminole County’s premier cultural celebration,” he says.

To learn more, search for Viva Oviedo Festival on Facebook.

Getting Jazzed in Casselberry 

The popular Latin Jazz & Art Festival will be back in Casselberry for its 23rd year, this time celebrating the rich musical heritage of Cuba. The free event, featuring music, dance, and art, will be from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20 at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive.

This year’s much-anticipated festival  will spotlight the golden era of Cuban jazz through a tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club by Miami’s own Cortadito band. Specializing in the early styles of Cuban country music, Cortadito is renowned for its infectious rhythms and vintage sound.

“We’re excited this year because we are celebrating a past era of jazz,” says Linda Moore, Casselberry’s recreation and cultural arts manager. “It’s great to be able to bring that golden era to a new generation of jazz lovers and to bring back many fond memories to those that remember this important time in Latin jazz history.”

Joining Cortadito on stage will be Néstor Torres and Aymée Nuviola. Nestor is a Puerto Rican jazz flautist and Latin Grammy winner; Aymée is a multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning songstress whose high-energy performances blend Afro-Cuban rhythms with Latin jazz. The musical performances will open with Dimas Sanchez Afro Latin Jazz Project, led by the Puerto Rican percussionist celebrated for his dynamic preservation of Afro-Caribbean music.

In addition to the star-studded lineup, the event will feature Latin cuisine, dance presentations, and stunning art displays at the Casselberry Arts Center, Casselberry Art House, and City Hall.

Linda estimates that more than 3,000 attendees will come out to enjoy this multicultural evening, reflecting the city’s commitment to diversity.

“It’s important to have cultural events such as these,” says Linda, “so that everyone can discover and celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversities of many vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultures.”

For more details, visit Casselberry.org.