This Saturday, the venue will host the third annual Latin Kiwi Integration Festival, promising to be bigger and better.
Organiser Carol Morgan — the founder of Latinos for New Zealand — says for the first time, the event will be an all-day festival, starting at noon, and will feature the national Latino football tourney, which comprises 12 Latino football teams from across New Zealand.
During the tournament, there’ll be about20 food trucks at the Rec Ground serving Latino and Kiwi bites, along with live music and a kids’ area with games and face painting on offer.
Inside the centre, there’ll be a celebration of Latino arts and culture.
Morgan says Queenstown’s arts and culture hub Te Atamira will be present, along with Shame Women’s Ethnic Trust and local Latino artists.
And come night-time, the party kicks into high gear inside, with dancing, two bands, a DJ and a light show.
"The festival is about joy, music, sharing our culture and collaboration, [and] union.
"We need to bring more joy and more union — more collaboration rather than competition," she says.
"I think there is a lot to do in the community, and this is a great place to do it, because it’s a great community."
Last year’s festival attracted over 2000 people, but Morgan’s expecting to double that this year.
"It’s a day filled with joy, connection, and belonging where everyone — no matter where they come from — can feel part of something special.
"Whether you are Kiwi, Latino or just someone who loves good food, great music and amazing people ... it’s a chance to embrace something different, meet new friends and have an unforgettable day."
Morgan, originally from Argentina, says creating a piece of home in Queenstown through the festival means "everything" to attendees.
"What makes this festival so special is the heart behind it.
"This is not another commercial event, but it’s a passion project, run by volunteers, who pour their energy, love and time into making it happen."
Entry’s free for the Latin Kiwi Integration Festival, which runs till 11pm.
