Por Ismael Buendia 
The City Council of Popular Traditions, in its dynamic of promoting new different and original proposals for the dynamization of the municipality, within the joint action plan with the other Municipal Areas, has opted for the weekend of June 5 and 8 for the warm and exhilarating rhythms of Latin music. In an event that will take place at Paseo de Andalucia and will feature a wide range of performances that will bring to life an environment very conducive to it, and where the traditional Gala Radiole recently took place with great success.
The musical variant has shown, in light of the latest results, a magnificent reception among the population, who have significantly supported the different proposals of this kind orchestrated in the city. With the strength of the most energetic and spectacular movements, the «Gastrolatino Festival» lands in Vélez-Málaga, an interesting combination of intense and vibrant sounds and attractive gastronomy that will enliven the next week from Thursday to Sunday.
This overwhelming initiative bursts into the local spectrum with the hand of Producciones Raíces, and it is an exclusive event planned for its 20th Anniversary that aims to create a space of coexistence in a cultural key, with the reproduction of various artistic expressions, music, dance, and the culinary culture of different Latin countries. The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Spain itself will contribute to dazzle with a high-level gastromusical repertoire, based on the cheerful and carefree deployment inherent in Latin blood.
In this sense, Lourdes Piña, Councilor of Popular Traditions, has expressed herself in the press conference held this morning at Paseo de Andalucía, emphasizing the purpose of the project, with a clear focus on animation and designed as «an environment of integration, leisure, and coexistence, created in our Costa del Sol around a dense community of multiple nationalities living in harmony.» The intercultural and interactive component represents a transversal axis in the development of this festival.
«The important thing is that all audiences and ages are invited, we want it to be a balanced artistic show based on different musical genres, through which visitors can enjoy a pleasant, fun, and quality coexistence,» pointed out the municipal delegate. In this line, an area for recreation and enjoyment will be set up for the little ones, in the side parking lot of the Vélez promenade.
The Councilor of Popular Traditions also referred to the commercial sense of the event since «it will be an interesting tool for work and promotion for vendors and hoteliers from different locations, this event is shaping up to be a meeting place to taste flavors from other parts of the world, connecting their products and native preparations with the essence of our table. It is also a great opportunity for dissemination and dynamization of the local economy,» specified Lourdes Piña.
Alongside the municipal representative, Rafael Urquiza, promoter of the «Gastrolatino Festival» and a precursor of «ideas that promote interculturality and build bridges between the different races and nationalities that live in this country,» has been present. According to the organizer, «it is a very interesting way to get to know each other better and strengthen ties, so that this enriches our coexistence.»
The festival’s intricacies reveal numerous surprises, with gastronomy and music as undisputed pillars of the event. First, a vote will be held after tasting the typical dishes of each country, with a gourmet menu featuring Argentine meats, Chilean sandwiches, and other delicious recipes, such as the Smash Burger Gourmet, which will not be missing at the meeting with burgers created by the chefs of this Foodtruck.
The musical lineup will be covered by the undeniable talent of important Latin-style bands, coming from the mentioned countries, who will delight the audience with their own songs and tributes to the cream of Latin music, including stars like Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, Prince Royce, or the king of bachata, Romeo Santos.
The fire will be opened by the Quimbara Show orchestra, ten brilliant musicians led by the Cuban Aleidis Guerra, who will pay tribute to the legend Celia Cruz. This will be followed by a lineup of true luxury designed for a very special occasion in Vélez-Málaga, dancing to the rhythm of salsa, bachata, or merengue, quintessential Latin rhythms. «We encourage everyone who wants to have a good time with cheerful and fun musical rhythms and enjoy the excellent gastronomy of all participating countries; it will be a weekend to create fans and have a great time,» the councilor supported the festival.
FUENTE