Happy Valley Latin Festival returns on Saturday for its fifth year as part of Hispanic Heritage Month in State College.
The festival is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Plaza and 100 block of South Fraser Street and will celebrate Latino and Hispanic culture through a variety of art, performances, food and vendors.
“Cultural diversity is the heartbeat of our society’s development,” said Ady Martinez, the owner of Juana’s Venezuelan Cuisine who conceived and developed the festival in 2021. “The Happy Valley Latin Festival not only celebrates this diversity but also unites communities, fosters understanding and enriches Centre County with vibrant Latin culture.”
Free and open to all, the festival will feature a range of music and dance performances throughout the day, as well as poetry and local and regional artists. A curated selection of artisan vendors will showcase their handmade goods, and numerous community groups and businesses will be on hand to share what they offer.
Food vendors are slated to include La Caribbean Corner, Yilka’s Baking Studio, Rumba & Soul, Fredita’s Tacos & Tamales, Media Luna Tamales, Brazilian Munchies, Paul’s Provisions and The CakeShop by Tati.
Since the success of its first year, the festival has been led by Latin Vibe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Hispanic leadership development in State College and surrounding communities.
“The festival continues to strengthen cultural ties within Central Pennsylvania’s diverse population while introducing newcomers to the rich traditions that define Latin American cultures,” organizers wrote in a news release.
It’s one of several events scheduled in State College and on the Penn State campus celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, including the opening of “Somos Cultura” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St.
The exhibition celebrating Latino heritage features portraits of women in traditional dresses from across Latin America, alongside artwork created by community members. It will remain on display and open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Among other events around town, Schlow Centre Region Library will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration for Kids from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Downsbrough Community Rooms. Families with children 3 and older will enjoy an afternoon of fun with Penn State student organizations offering face painting, crafts and games for kids of all ages, along with traditional snacks and learning fun facts about Hispanic and Latino culture.
State College Mayor Ezra Nanes issued a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in the borough and encouraging the community to join in the celebration.
“In State College and across Pennsylvania, our Hispanic and Latinx community strengthens the heart of our borough through vibrant businesses, beloved restaurants, rich cultural traditions and active participation in civic life,” Nanes said at Borough Council’s Sept. 9 meeting. “Their creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership help make our community a welcoming and thriving place for all… Let us come together to honor the diversity that strengthens our borough and affirm the central place of Hispanic and Latin American culture in our shared life.”
