LOS ANGELES (LASA/UCLA Website) - Latin American Student Association (LASA) of UCLA will present the 5th annual Festival Latino, "Cosechando la Cultura," which means harvesting the culture. Festival
Latino will be harvesting our culture by presenting a festival of music, art, games, and dance. This is a free event held at the UCLA campus on Saturday, April 12, 2003 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Festival
Latino will share the rich and diverse cultures of Latin
America with the UCLA community as well as with the communities in the greater Los Angeles area.
As a student group with an eleven-year history of providing programs and services for the Los Angeles community, and promoting the academic success of UCLA students, LASA aims to reach out to the community in a moment of celebration and social responsibility. In addition to the cultural celebration we aim to address social and political issues confronted by the Latino community. Our community has been targeted by propositions such as 187 and 209, and political awareness has been changing opinions resulting in positive propositions such as AB 540. LASA is sharing the responsibility of addressing these political issues and rallying to provide comprehensive education on these matters. This year Festival Latino will also celebrate the achievement of students by awarding two continuing students with scholarships and recognizing four outstanding graduating seniors with community and academic awards. Festival Latino is composed of three parts: the Arena of Consciousness, the Village, and the Stage.
The "Arena of Consciousness" will allow community leaders, UCLA community service programs, and student advocacy groups an opportunity to reach out to a wide audience as well as provide a space for UCLA students and community to promote their services and/or educate the public about their efforts.
The "Village" will be a consumers delight, showcasing the best of Latin America's literature, artisan crafts, food and games.
The "Stage" will present UCLA's renowned dance groups, UCLA's student artists, as well as professional and up and coming music groups. Past performers include Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band, Johnny Polanco Cojunto Amistad, Ricardo Lemvo y Makina Loca, Yeska, Charanga Cubana, East LA Sabor Factory, and Sonora Dinamita. This years bands include repeat Sabor Latino and La Banda Skalavera.
