"Festival Latino De Ocracoke" Debuts Nov. 12

If you have visited Ocracoke over the past twenty years, you have probably noticed the growing Latino population that has become part of our island community. Some of these residents have their own businesses that you know and love (Eduardo’s Taco Stand comes to mind . . . one moment, I need to run and pick up an order. . . Okay, I’m back!), and others you may have seen working at various jobs throughout the island. From the Ocracoke School to the fire department, the grocery stores to the restaurants and motels, Ocracoke depends upon these friends and neighbors who have come to call our remote island home.  

Ocracoke Alive is very excited this year to be partnering with members of the Latino Community to assist them in creating the very first Festival Latino de Ocracoke on Saturday, November 12th at the Ocracoke School and Community Center. The festival organizers, Freddy Contreras, Adrian Espanosa, Gloria Perez, Eduardo Chavez, Cira Badillo, and David Tweedie, have been hard at work creating a day filled with traditional games, dances, music, and food, that will be great fun for everyone. Special guests presentations include dance demonstrations by the Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano, and music by Fantasia Huasteca.

Daytime activities will take place at Ocracoke School from 11am–5pm, with an evening performance at the school gym from 7-9pm (and a movie for the kids at Deepwater Theater). From 9pm until midnight, the action will move to the Ocracoke Community Center for more dancing and fun.

In addition, during the week leading up to the festival, Ocracoke School students will have an opportunity to learn about Latino Culture, try their hand at piñata making, cooking, traditional dancing, and practicing their skills at games like raiguela, cintas, and much more. 

If you are interested in helping sponsor the event, please contact David Tweedie at info@ocracokealive.org or 252-921-0260. Hope that you can join us! For more information and to keep up to date with plans, visit our Latino Festival page at www.ocracokealive.org.