Fiesta in Holland celebrates Latin culture, community

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Latin Americans United for Progress Fiesta is returning for the 60th year and to celebrate, the event will the biggest one yet.

It will be a full week of Latin culture with events and activities for all ages. LAUP President and CEO Johnny Rodriguez said the festival first started in 1964 and was held at the Holland Civic Center, just like this year.

“It was always about bridging the gaps for LAUP, that’s why it started and its inception from employment, housing, resources in the community. And that’s still what we do today, and those issues and problems back in our community and society are still around today,” said Rodriguez.

In its 60th year, Fiesta is expanding to last more than just one day. The festival lasts from July 15 through July 21.

“The Latino contributions and celebrations is large and vast and event the diversity within the Latino community. We need more than just one day,” he said.

Rodriguez said the festival means a lot to different people, including multiple generations that have been here for years or new immigrants who are just settling down in West Michigan.

“It really means a great deal to our community that we see ourselves represented, celebrated, and we also have some amazing things going on in the week that really hit that advocacy and celebration piece,” Rodriguez said.

The excitement kicks off on Monday at Hope College with screenings of First Voice Generation, which highlights three Latino students in Holland navigating challenges of being first generation college students.

Fiesta continues through the weekend with events all day Saturday at the Holland Civic Center and a car show on Sunday. Rodriguez said there will be nine food trucks and “the greatest entertainment lineup” that LAUP Fiesta has ever had, according to Rodriguez.

For a full list of events, visit the LAUP website.

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