Carpe diem at Fiesta

Vivacious and resplendent music and dance, spicy dishes stretching from Mexico to Argentina and the potential for your senses to be taken to the April sun in Cuba.

Olé’s will ring out at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday 5 April for the South Island’s inaugural Latin Fiesta.

Auckland-based salsa dance instructor Saione Greer is spearheading the Nelson event with Vamos Community Trust and NelsonSon Dance & Entertainment, after presiding over muy bueno celebrations of Latin American culture in Auckland.

He’s brought the festivities across the border to the Mainland, and like the aroma of roasting Brazilian coffee beans, hopes to draw Nelson Tasman locals to the cultural region’s vibrancy.

“I used to visit Nelson quite regularly, and I was having a coffee with friends and telling them about the [Auckland] festivals, and we thought it would be a nice thing to have in Nelson, so here we are,” he says.

“There is a growing number of Latinos living in the area to contribute to the community and I think it’s one way to celebrate and acknowledge them and give them something to be proud of by sharing their culture.”

Saione says Latin American facets will include performances by Nelson’s samba-inspired band, the Nelson Sambassadors and the Brazilian Social Club with other ensembles from across the motu including a mariachi band.

Dance lessons, a percussion workshop, arts and crafts and cuisine to feel Latin America’s warmth and spirit in every mouthful are also scheduled.

“We’ve got a number of Latin food stalls that will be there selling Colombian foods, Chilean foods, an Argentinian barbecue, and I think there’s a Mexican food truck coming as well,” Saione says.

“I’m hoping lots of people will come out to enjoy a family day at Founders Heritage Park and experience the different cultures.”

The Fiesta takes the stage from 11am to 4pm.