Seattle Center Festal: Seattle Fiestas Patrias Set for 9/15-16

Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Fiestas Patrias, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sept. 15, and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sept. 16, in Seattle Center Armory/Center House, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, explores the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Central America through live performances, cultural displays, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, children's activities, and a lively marketplace.

Festival goers may enjoy a full line-up of live mariachi music (full line-up available at www.seattlefiestaspatrias.org), join in a children's soccer clinic, and learn how Latin American countries celebrate independence from Spanish rule. They will also find clothing and other types of textiles from Peru, Tarot card reading and small and large businesses, non-profits and governmental agencies promoting their services and programs.

The annual Seattle Fiestas Patrias reminds us that the spirit of freedom is indomitable and helps maintain a bond between Latinos in the Northwest and their home countries throughout the Americas. It is a time when families gather to celebrate the culture, art, music, dance, and delicious Mexican and Latin American food. The festival is known for its delicious foods from Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, and various regions throughout Mexico, including banana leaf tamales, pupusas, empanadas, anticuchos, tacos, tortas, roasted corn, horchata and more.

The 20 Seattle Center Festál cultural celebrations highlight The Common forms of tradition and expression among ethnic communities in the Pacific Northwest, while underscoring their unique creative contributions, customs, foods and ideals. Each event offers moving entertainment and fascinating insight into a different culture of the world.

Seattle Fiestas Patrias is part of The Next Fifty at Seattle Center in 2012. The Festival is produced by Seattle Fiestas Patrias Committee and Sea-Mar Community Health Center in partnership with Seattle Center. For a full event schedule, visit www.seattlefiestaspatrias.org and for more information on this cultural series and other Seattle Center public programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.