Fiesta attendees line up for admission outside the festival. (Photo by Cooper Crippen).Fiesta attendees line up for admission outside the festival. (Photo by Cooper Crippen).
April Oberman – Contributor
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On Saturday, Oct. 3, Linn Park in downtown Birmingham was not only green, but shades of red, orange and yellow. The aromas of Hispanic food encircled the square, and even from blocks away, anyone would know that the annual Fiesta festival was taking place.
For the past 13 years, Fiesta transforms Downtown’s Linn Park to share facets of Latino and Hispanic culture with citizens of Birmingham during Hispanic Heritage Month.
“The main goal of the event is to fundraise for scholarships not only for Latinos, but also for students in the Birmingham Metro area,” said Freddy Rubio, treasurer of Fiesta. “We have given tens of thousands of dollars over the last 13 years to UAB, Samford and community colleges.”
Vendors in booths selling handmade crafts lined the paths of the park, and the main stage blasted salsa music throughout the day.
A highlight of Fiesta is its cuisine, and this year was no different. Over 12 local Hispanic restaurants were represented at the festival.
In addition to the wide variety of restaurants, the event is always well-attended by patrons from all walks of life. Each year, Fiesta plans for 5,000 to 10,000 attendees from over 27 different Latin American countries and the people of Birmingham.
“I enjoy Fiesta because we bring music, we bring culture, we bring food, and we bring diversity to Birmingham,” said Rubio. “Historically, Birmingham was a white and black town. I think that is no longer the case. I like to see that there are so many countries represented here.”
As reported last week in Kscope, UAB gives the community a chance to enhance its understanding of cultures, heritages and identities for students to learn about different cultures, as well as learn about their own during Hispanic Heritage Month.
“It is good to be aware of cultures around you, so that you in turn can be respectful of it,” said freshman Mary Kopp.
