As Latin music blared, people shook and dipped their hips with the beat.
People danced, savored dishes such as empanadas and celebrated the spirit of the Hispanic culture at the 11th annual Downtown Latino Festival on Saturday at Bo Diddley Community Plaza. About 2,000 people attended the festival, according to David Ruiz, director of the festival.
The event highlights Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Saturday and ends Oct. 15.
“The event’s important, because there is not a lot of Latino events at this magnitude,” he said.
Instructors did Zumba routines, encouraging children and young adults to follow along. A conga line of about 30 people broke out as the night went on.
Ruiz, who has been the event director for the past four years, said he wants the festival to show diversity in the community.
“It’s great to see the community supportive of the event,” he said.
David Armas, a 21-year-old UF advertising senior and member of the Hispanic Student Association, said the event was not quite as busy as other years, but he was excited to grab traditional Hispanic food.
UF telecommunication senior Alex de Armas, 21, said she came to the festival with her friend to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
“Anywhere we can get together with other Hispanics is great,” de Armas said.
