Carnaval del Sol in Vancouver
El Carnaval del Sol lived up its name. It was a very hot Saturday (July 31st) to celebrate sport and Latin American culture at the Strathcona Park in Vancouver. The event organized by Latincouver, drew about a thousand people throught the day starting at 10 a.m.), who had the chance to taste Latin American dishes and enjoy live entertainment with local Latin American performers as well as to play the king of sports, football.
The entertainment kicked off with Sean Riquelme, with a rendition to Carlos Santana. Meanwhile, the food stands began their offering of succulent Latin American and Caribbean dishes such as tamales, Peruvian ceviche and chicha morada (a beverage made with purple corn), Mexican churros and other delights. There was also opportunity for a variety businesses to show their products such as jewerly, clothing, insurance companies, beverages, newspapers, etc.
Soon after, the teams approached the pitch to start the tournament. There were 10 teams representing various countries such as Brazil, United States, Colombia, France, Mexico, Bahamas, Argentina among others. Each one were composed of seven players always including, at least, one woman.
By 1.30 p. m. Vancouver mayor and avid football fan, Gregor Robertson made its appearance and greeted the crowd in Spanish along with Latincouver founder and director, Paola Murillo, who wore a long summer dress with Latincouver’ signature colours (orange, lime green and yellow) and a black fedora.
As it was scheduled, soon after the mayor of Vancouver along with team vision hit the pitch for a friendly match against the host team, Latincouver.
In spite of all efforts by Vision, the mayor’s team lost 1-5 to Latincouver, and the tournament resumed. After the match, the charismatic mayor confessed he used to play it often but with his current job he has much less time to do so. On the other hand, Robertson expressed that it is one more opportunity to showcase Latin American culture in the city.
“Vancouver is a very multicultural city and we are seeing more Latin American culture in Vancouver ,which is fantastic.” The father of four, added that an activity as the Carnaval del Sol “ was long overdue and it’s great that people are organized and volunteered to make it happen in Vancouver”.
“I hope this is the first of many Latincouver’s Carnaval del Sols (sic.). I think, it’s great to see the first year lots of people here and sports, music, food and culture. And I think when people find out next year, there will be more people coming,” Robertson added.
As the games continued through the day, so did the music. Mariachi Roberto brought all time rancheras and Gritos del Caravan engaged the crowd with rumba flamenca rhythms. Then it was the turn for the dance group Mexico Vivo’s who successfully overcame last-minute stage issues and delivered a performance that engaged everyone with their costumes and movement. Duet Sangre Morena and Tabaskso entertained the attendees through the rest of the evening. And of course, the DJs delivered in between shows varied music than often would get the people people hitting the “dance floor”.
Among the guests, were spotted, Peru’s Consul General, Carlos Román and Vice-Consul, Augusto Morelli and Ecuador and Costa Rica Honorary Consuls, Ettienne Walter and Antonio Arreaga respectively, as well as representation from Brazil and New Westminster.
The Ecuadorian Consul had been ready to play some football, but his team did not show up. Nevertheless, he said to be excited about this gathering and celebration of culture and diversity among Latin American countries.
“I think this is something not only unites the Latinos, but also other people learn our spirit of family,” Walter said. “ [Latin Americans] should continue this spirit by maintaining our [countries’] cultures and customs and show to other communities that, in spite of our diversity, we are united.”
Later on, after the tournament wrapped up, Team U.S.A was proclaimed winner of the first Latincouver Cup.
With no doubt, the Carnaval del Sol brought together not only the Latin American community together but Canadians and other groups in Vancouver. Murillo is excited with the result and especially “to see volunteers working for the same cause” and adds that there will be a repeat next Summer.
“Now that we know that the city know about our community, we can do more…and we are already organizing for the next Carnaval del Sol next year, in the end of June.”
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