One of Latin music’s biggest acts coming to free Mississauga festival

One of Latin music’s most influential groups is set to bring its signature blend of merengue and hip-hop to Mississauga next month as the city hosts one of Ontario’s largest celebrations of Latin American culture.

The iconic group Fulanito will headline the 18th annual Mississauga Latin Festival, performing a free concert at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Celebration Square.

The performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the three-day festival, which runs Aug. 7 to 9 and annually attracts more than 70,000 visitors from across the Greater Toronto Area.

Organized by the Canadian Latin Heritage Association, the festival celebrates the music, dance, food and traditions of Latin America while showcasing the diversity of Mississauga’s growing Latin community.

Beyond the headline concert, visitors can expect more than 200 performers, 70-plus vendors, traditional dance and folklore performances, artisan displays and authentic Latin American cuisine representing countries across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Food lovers will have plenty to explore, with more than 25 food vendors serving favourites such as arepas, pupusas, tamales, churros, empanadas and other traditional dishes.

The festival will also feature a Latin American art exhibition inside the Great Hall at Mississauga City Hall, family activities including a children’s scavenger hunt, and a colourful cultural parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Founded in 2009 by Colombian-born lawyer Isabel Cuellar as a celebration of Colombian Independence Day, the event expanded in 2015 into the Mississauga Latin Festival to represent the many cultures of Latin America. Today, organizers describe it as the largest festival of its kind in Ontario.

The three-day event takes place at Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr., with free admission throughout the weekend.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9.