Latin rhythms on display at Carnaval del Sol.| Photo courtesy of Laincouver.

Paola Murillo and Latincouver are proud to present the seventh annual Carnaval del Sol, a festival aimed at bringing an authentic Latin American fiesta to Metro Vancouver.

For the past seven years, the Carnaval del Sol has showcased and promoted the Latin American community’s cultural flair.

“It’s a space for people to think ‘Wow! I’m in Latin America,’ while being in Vancouver. We want to bring the community here,” says Murillo, CEO and founder of Latincouver.

Bringing Latin America to Vancouver

Visual arts reveals Latin soul.| Photo courtesy of Laincouver.

This year’s event will take place July 11 and 12 at Concord Pacific Place with events and activities featuring all aspects of Latin American life.

The Mini World Cup of Soccer in particular has been a staple of the event since 2010. This year, the two-day tournament will take place at the Carnaval’s Sports Plaza in Concord Pacific Place.

“Soccer is very important for Latinos, so that’s why we’ve always integrated it,” explains Murillo.

The FIFA World Cup was central to the Carnaval last year and Murillo and her team are equally excited to have the FIFA Women’s World Cup here in Vancouver this year.

In addition to sports, the Food and Arts Culture Plazas at the Carnaval are also a big draw and have a lot to offer to the festival.

“I’d like to check out the music and the food, all the cultural stuff basically,” remarks first-time attendee, Mike Mysak.

The Main Stage will host performers like Alex Cuba, who is one of the festival’s top artists and will be showcasing his pop-soul music at 6:20 p.m. on July 11.

The Food Plaza will be open throughout the duration of Carnaval del Sol and will feature numerous local vendors selling dishes like seafood paella, jalapeno cheesepuffs, tacos and pan con lechon (roasted pork on a bun).

A new addition to the food this year is the Sol Y Playa Lounge.

“Sol y playa is sun and beach. It’s the first time we’re selling beer at Carnaval, so we’re hoping this will add a little extra. You eat, you have beer and life is good,” says Murillo.

Shining together

Cooling drinks tame the heat.| Photo courtesy of Laincouver.

Murillo was inspired to organize the festival to bring an awareness of Latin culture to all of Vancouver’s residents.

“I just wanted to make a name for Latinos. To showcase who we are and celebrate with everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are from India, China, Columbia, wherever. Let’s have culture, let’s have fun – together,” says Murillo.

With increasing support from the community and the city of Vancouver, the festival has grown from a small event for 500 to an attendance of close to 100,000 last year.

“We grew so fast, I couldn’t dream we would become so big. The team of volunteers we’ve gained through the whole thing was just outstanding,” says Murillo.

From a small team of 16 in the Carnaval del Sol’s first year, there are now over 380 volunteers helping to bring the festivities to life this year. Volunteers are the backbone of the operation, says Murillo.

“It’s the whole volunteers’ commitment and awesome energy that attracts people to support Carnaval del Sol,” says long-time volunteer Anna Paula Viveros Milla.

All events, activities and performances are family friendly and will be held in the Pacific Concord Place.

“It’s all about us shining through as a community together,” says Murillo.

For more information, please visit www.carnavaldelsol.ca and www.latincouver.ca