Entertainment
14 July, 2024
Colombians celebrate Independence Day
IT’S time to dance to the beat of cumbia drums, treat your palate to traditional South American snacks and immerse in Latin American culture at the Colombian Independence Day festival next weekend.
The celebration begins from 6.30pm on Saturday, July 20 at the German Club Cairns for a night full of music, live entertainment and delicious treats by Colombian chef Chuchi to commemorate not only the South American country’s Independence Day, but the South American community in Cairns.
Festival organiser and member of dance group Latin Roots Carolina Contreras said this was the perfect occasion to get your groove on and discover more about the South American country and culture.
“Because Colombian people are really fun and happy and love to party we wanted to bring a band as our main event. The band is called Amazonas Latin Music, they will play some traditional Colombian songs and Latin American songs in general,” she said.
“We want to make people dance, join in and celebrate the Colombian Independence Day, but beyond that we want to celebrate Latin culture in general because being one of the few Latin American festivals celebrated in Cairns, we want to unite the community.
“My dance group Latin Roots will also be showcasing some traditional Colombian choreographies, and we will have Colombian chef Sergio Rojas from Three Wolves making Colombian treats, like empanadas, arepas and lechona and traditional drinks like refajo (beer with Colombian soda) and cane liquor.”
“The gate opens at 6.30pm and the event will go until 10.30pm, we will also have raffles and vouchers to win.”
Ms Contreras said she wanted the celebration to unite the whole community through music and dance.
“Last year we got around 50 to 60 people. We’re hoping to get more this year,” she said.
“I want to invite the Australian, Asian and European communities to come along and see what we have going on in Colombia and South America. It’s a magnificent country with lovely people and if you’re keeping up with soccer, we can also celebrate the champions of the Copa America.
“For any Colombians interested in coming, we will be giving awards for best dressed, so bring your flag, do face painting. If you have traditional Colombian outfits or the Colombian team shirt, put it on.”
Tickets to the festival cost $20. Visit the Latin Roots Facebook page at https://bit.ly/4bEOAJZ
