The First Annual Festival Latino de Ocracoke Nov. 12 will honor the vibrant Hispanic culture on the island.
Day-long activities will take place in and around Ocracoke School–outside, the commons room, the multipurpose room and the gym.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know the culture of Ocracoke’s Latino residents,” said David Tweedie, president of Ocracoke Alive, which is organizing the event along with Freddy Contreras and other members of the Latino community.
In the week leading to the festival, there will be workshops for students at the school in making tortillas, building piñatas, and Ballet Folklorico dancing (under the direction of visiting performer Fabian Vargas).
Adults can join in a three-part workshop, “Pinatas!” Nov. 4 to 6 at 7 p.m. all in Deepwater Theater. Three days is needed for drying time.
The following is the festival schedule:
Friday, Nov. 11:
Dance workshop with Ballet Folklorico’s Fabian Vargas at 7 p.m. in the school gym.
Saturday, Nov. 12:
–11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Games, food, music, demonstrations (Ocracoke School)
–7 to 9 p.m.: Dance and musical performances in Ocracoke School Gym by Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano, Fantasia Huasteca, and Ocracoke residents. Free.
–7 to 9 p.m.: Kids’ movie in Deepwater Theater. Free
–9 p.m. to midnight: Dance in the Community Center. Free; cash bar available.
In addition to Ocracoke Alive, the group responsible for the popular Ocrafolk Festival, the festival is sponsored by Hyde County Occupancy Tax funds, individual and business donations. Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation, can do so online (see link below), or by mailing a contribution to Ocracoke Alive, P.O. Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Sponsors will receive a festival T-shirt and festival button for every $50 donated and recognition on the website and from stage.
Festival attendees will also be able to support the festival by purchasing sponsorship buttons, T-shirts, and tickets that can be exchanged for food and entry into the games.
A portion of festival proceeds will benefit Ocracoke School and Ocracoke Child Care.
Community Workshops
For a detailed schedule, visit www.ocracokealive.org.
