People filled the streets of downtown Cape Coral Saturday night as they listened and danced to live music and tasted a variety of ethnic foods during the festival, “Viva, Cape Coral!”
The Southwest Florida Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which was previously known as a Cinco de Mayo party held in Cultural Park and downtown Cape Coral in years past. The chamber decided to change the focus of the festival this year to include everyone and not just Latin heritage.
Food vendors and informational booths were set up along Southest 47th Terrace Saturday night, along with a stage for live performances, and kids activities, like bounce houses and laser tag.
Michael Quintana said although he heard the festival was better last year; he still enjoyed the night. He said it was good to see a variety of Hispanic people enjoying the festival, along with other heritages as well.
Quintana said the festival is good to have because it brings the community closer and takes stress off of people’s minds as they listen to music and enjoy eating the authentic Hispanic food that was offered.
“I’m glad I came out,” he said.
Quintana said he attends a similar festival every year in Miami that started off small, but has grown to a larger event that takes over 20 blocks when held. He said his first experience at that festival was when he was 7.
Rodrigo Moreria also attended the festival Saturday night with his family. He said the festival was a good place to hang out and eat some great food and enjoy some drinks.
An advertisement on television brought Karla Pallottillo and her family out to the festival Saturday night.
“I think it’s very nice,” she said. “There is good food and good stuff for the kids to do. The music is good, too.”
The festival was walking distance form Pallottillo’s house, which made it convenient for her to attend.
She thought the festival was good for the community because it brings people together, along with letting them know of the businesses and restaurants downtown.
Jim Stoke and his wife Barbara were waiting in line down 47th Terrace as she danced to the live music streaming through the air.
“I love the cultural difference,” Barbara said about the festival.
She said her favorite part of the festival was the music as she began to dance.
Jim said they attended the festival because it was something to do in South Cape Coral. He said they were enjoying their first Latin festival.
“We are having fun,” he said.