On September 14, 7,000 people gathered to celebrate Latino heritage, cultural traditions, food, music, and art at the CLUES Fiesta Latina. The event was presented by CLUES, General Mills, Sunrise Banks, and Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund with support from a variety of partners, more than 140 vendors, and 80 volunteers who contributed to making the event a resounding success. Thanks to Metro Transit, attendees could arrive by ride at the event for free using public transportation.  

Ruby Azurdia-Lee, CLUES president and CEO, welcomed the event by highlighting the importance of celebrating the diversity and richness of Latino culture and heritage in Minnesota. During the event, people enjoyed the live performances of Las Guaracheras, Kuyayki Peru, Baila Venezuela, René Thompson, Mariachi Monserrat, and Twin Cities Latin Band. Each performance was greeted with applause and many attendees joined in the dances. 

Several local Latino artists held live workshops where attendees could learn from creating a sculpture with Zote soap with Cadex Herrera; making your mosaic with Constanza Carballo; making nature printmaking with artist Lynda Grafito; creating Mexican papel picado with Ivonne Yañez; painting wooden necklaces with Maria Linsday; The artist, curator, and educator Mika Dominguez offered guide tours to learn more about the group art exhibition “Representing Latinidad” who received more than 500 visitors. The art exhibit will be open to the public until November 18. To learn more visit the CLUES Art Gallery page.  

CLUES programs were an important part of the event. Our staff offered information about our services with fun activities for all the family: Arts and Cultural Engagement, Behavioral Health, Community Health and Wellness, Economic Prosperity, Career Development and Employment, Early Childhood, Youth and Adult Education, and Small Business, which featured 10 small business program graduated who delighted our audience with their products and food.  

In addition, Canasta Familiar was a great success, where over 266 families received 3,000 pounds of healthy food completely free of charge, Our Community Health team provided over 80 COVID-19 vaccines, 100 Flu vaccines, 20 blood pressure checks, and over 30 dental varnishes.  

Thanks to the generosity of United Way, 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies were distributed. Xcel Energy volunteers distributed more than 4,000 individual dental kits. Many other community organizations provided health resources for free to attendees of all ages.  

We had the great pleasure to host Senator Amy Klobuchar who spoke to our audience, tasted Latino delicious food prepared by our Small Business program graduates, and enjoyed the festivities. We also welcomed the stage Director of Constitute Services, Jennifer Galván-Bautista, from the Governor’s Office, and Maria Sarabia, Assistant Commissioner of the Department’s Health Improvement Bureau.  

Los Bomberos Latino Outreach Society offered an amazing show for the whole family about important fire safety tips, including a live kitchen fire demo to show how quickly fires can start and how to prevent them.  

Sports enthusiasts also enjoyed the activities of the Timberwolves and Lynx with a pop-a-shot game, MN United FC with an inflatable goal, MN Aurora, and Minnesota National Guard with a rock-climbing wall. And we learned how to cook delicious and healthy budget-friendly dishes with broccoli, and fruit smoothies thanks to the University of Minnesota Extension. This year, attendees were able to purchase Fiesta Latina swag. This is a limited edition created by Latine local artist Jesus Li. You still have time to purchase the official CLUES Fiesta Latina 2024 Merch here. 

Gracias-Thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, or sponsored CLUES Fiesta Latina 2024 for your support. We couldn't have done it without you, and we hope to see you again next year.