About Us

Our Inspiration

The Festival Latino came about in 1995 from our desire to share Latino culture with people in the Berkshires. It was a combination of a desire to show our presence in the area, and our diversity.

We come from 20 countries in Central and South America and we wanted to display our pride and our different cultures.

We faced many obstacles in bringing the Festival fruition, and the more obstacles that we faced, the more determined we became to succeed and grow. Obstacles didn’t just come from acceptance within the American culture, but also trying to accommodate all the differences between so many Latino cultures, as well. In order to make the Festival shine, as a family-friendly, educational, fun, and representative event, it took a lot of hard work. That work continues today as we struggle to find the support, we need every year to make a fabulous and dynamic Festival.

The Work of the Festival is Reciprocal

We Are Teaching And Learning The History & Culture Of The Different Latin Countries At The Same Time

The local teachers have been such a huge part of the continuing support of the Festival; Spanish language and Hispanic heritage are mandatory parts of many curriculums. Attendance at the Festival has become an integral part of the study of Latin art & culture. The Festival has become a big part of how Latin immigrants can share their culture with the next generations and be proud. Whether through our vibrant dancing in the local 4th of July Parade, or through the high-quality performers we bring from all over the Northeast, and the delicious cuisine from many different countries, our diverse Latin community shows their pride of our Latino Culture and how we are established in the Berkshires.

We Are Very Fortunate To Live In An Area That Is So Focused On The Arts

So many people come to the Festival to have fun, but they also end up learning so much from the event! We made a formal non-profit organization to underline the truly educational nature of the Festival and to help inspire people to continue to support our growth. The enthusiasm of all of the organizers, and the passion behind the planning of this event, comes through in the high quality of all aspects of the Festival. As we put the finishing touches on this year’s event planning, and already start thinking about the future. I truly hope that I have inspired people and shown them the possibilities for this event to really be a positive force in the community as well as a highlight in the cultural calendar of the area.

Our mission

The mission of Festival Latino of the Berkshires is to promote and develop Latino cultural heritage events in Berkshire County. Our purpose is to recognize the historical and continuous contribution of Latin countries in music, dance and cuisine. We also promote appreciation of Hispanic multicultural heritage and diversity.

LEARN ABOUT OUR CULTURE

U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community. Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin!

Organization Committee

Meet our 2024 Organizing Committee!

On May 2, 2023, the Board of the Festival Latino of the Berkshires designated Angela Palmer as our new President. Angela has been present year after year since her childhood, working in each of the events that the Festival has held. Her energy, enthusiasm and projects bring new airs for 2024. We wish Angela and her team success in their new administration.

Angela Palmer

President

Liliana Ortiz-Bermudez

Executive Director

Bill Basinait

Treasurer

Ruth Boorady-Bloom

Community Outreach

Sandra Rodriguez Aponte

Accountant & Community Table Coordinator

Andrés Bermudez

Operations Specialist

Angelica Matseyev

Community Outreach &
Funding Specialist

Gabriela Bautista

Food Vendor Coordinator

Zhen-Mei Huang

Website Account Manager

Erika Wainwright

Administration Support

Bibiana Pineda

Backstage Coordinator

Wendy Gomez

Parade Coordinator

Lead Volunteers

Andres Bermudez

Beverage Coordinator

Gladis Rave

Community Table Coordinator

Cristina Velez

Gala Party Representative

Edwin Riaño

Logistic Support

Special Recognition

The Festival Latino of the Berkshires makes a special recognition to our Former Mr. Germán Bermudez for his passion and commitment since the beginning of the Festival. His unconditional support in the activities and logistics in general were invaluable in strengthening the Festival and the parades that have held each year. Mr. Bermudez always brought joy to the work team and to those attending the events.

It was a pleasure working with you. Your retreat will be greatly felt. Thank you for being part of our team. Your leadership and guidance were part of the Festival’s success and will never be forgotten.

Thanks to Great Barrington

The Latino Festival of the Berkshires is grateful to the Town of Great Barrington (MA) and its authorities, for supporting and being the home for the achievement of the Festival in the last four years.

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Festival Latino
of the Berkshires

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