Flamenco with food

Latino fervour

The ‘Latin Food Festival’, held recently at Prestige Ozone, was a grand affair in every way. Apart from different cuisines, it also had a busy flea market and some dancing too. The event saw a mixed crowd of expatriates and Bangaloreans alike.

On entering the venue, which was held at the main park, one could see a long row of stalls with cupcakes, kurtis and other dress materials. Food stalls of Peru, Panama, Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, which showcased foods like Aji de pollo, Picadillo de pollo, Quindim, Salmorejo, Arroz con pollo etc.

There was also a salsa show with a workshop and tango and flamenco performances  at the event. “This is the fourth time we are hosting this festival and it has grown with every edition,” said Cintia, one of the organisers. She added that since the event is held to support an NGO, ‘U&I’, there were people present to have fun and support the cause too. “We started with just about 30 housewives coming together, but then we expanded,” she said

Maribel Perez, who was another organiser, said that she has also seen the event grow and loved the fact that she could have food from her country.

 “It feels very homely. With the stalls serving different kinds of lip-smacking food from home, it feels like I am home.”

Most people said that the best part of the event was how they could have fun. “With people dancing and enjoy their drinks and just being themselves, it was a welcome break,” said Susan, an expatriate from Denmark.

Nicole, an expatriate from the US, added that the party was  energetic. “We reached the event at 12.30 pm and have been here the entire day. The event has something for everyone, including bouncy and food corners for the kids and entertainment for the adults,” she said.

One of the performers for the event, Richard David Tholoor, who held a workshop and performance, said that the people were enthusiastic and jumping with energy at the dance workshop.

“I taught some dance steps in styles like bachata, salsa, meringue etc. And everyone was excited to join in,” he said. The event also saw stalls of popular eateries and restaurants in the City and a ‘card making workshop’.