Firing flamenco guitars will fuse with tangoing hips and tantalising tastebuds as thousands join the Latin American, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish festivities at Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival. Ventana Fiesta crowds will be immersed in a sea of colour as costumed dancers swirl their bright dresses to the accompaniment of polyrhythmic clapping and drumming. 

An Argentinian Murga troupe, part of the roving parade, will engage spectators in dance within the Frankston Arts Centre precinct, where wafting live music will collide with the scent of food at Bar Espanal. Visitors will be able to enjoy a glass of sangria from the arts centre bar’s balcony overlooking the library forecourt, which will be transformed into Little Mexico, providing captivating Mexican wrestling, music, food and dance. Internationally acclaimed Mexican pop band Playa Limbo will be joined by Latin American bands all day.

A smorgasbord of street food will spice things up to be enjoyed among food demos, artisan craft stalls and a fashion runway. Meanwhile, roving performers, art installations and craft activities will keep the little ones entertained too. Cube 37 will offer dance workshops in tango, salsa and capoeira plus additional sessions for all skill levels throughout February in dance, drumming and singing. A preview of the festival’s exhibitions will be showcased at the art centre’s opening on Thursday, February 27, at 6pm, featuring international dignitaries.

Highlights on Sunday, March 15, include the 11am Afro Cuban ceremony at Frankston Life Saving Club, where ancient traditions will be displayed, and later the arts centre’s Cuban well-being workshops between noon and 6pm.

Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival will run throughout February and March, but don’t miss the Ventana Fiesta on Saturday, February 29, from 1-9pm.

CAMERON HOWE
camhowe.com