TIFTON — The largest Hispanic festival in South Georgia, La Fiesta del Pueblo, is set to return for its 21st year.

Since its beginnings in 1996 in Omega, La Fiesta has been bringing the taste, sound, history, culture and traditions of Latin American countries to Tifton and surrounding areas.

Celebrate with family and friends a day of fun, authentic foods, Mariachi music and folkloric dances at Fulwood Park, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Admission to the festival and to most of the children’s activities is free.

This year La Fiesta del Pueblo will be in honor of the late Luz Marti who passed away this year and was one of the main founders of this festival. She dedicated almost 20 years to the realization of this event with effort and dedication to bring joy to the whole community.

The day will be packed with non-stop entertainment, including Mariachi Espuelas de América, dancers, local performers and more.

This year we will have two stages; Main Stage will be taken by professional dancers and the Syd Blackmarr stage (south side of the park) will be occupied by singers and music to delight the dining area. A street dance featuring a live Radio Rumba from Atlanta will take place 7-10 p.m.

Typical foods prepared by vendors will be for sale as well as a variety of arts, crafts and commercial items. The children’s area will include face painting, children’s crafts, bouncing houses, giant slides, kiddie train rides, bungee jumping and more.

Booths with information about health, education, social services and community organizations will also be located in the festival area.

In 2016, La Fiesta attracted around 12,500 people from 38 counties in Georgia and six surrounding states.

In 2004, the festival was recognized by the Georgia Council for the Arts Office of the Governor Grassroots Arts program as an outstanding recipient of grassroots funding.

Then-Gov. Sonny Perdue said, “La Fiesta showed how arts can change lives and be used as a tool to strengthen Georgia communities.”

For additional information, contact Dina Willis at 229-386-7265/229-386-0354 or Angel Aguilar at 229-382-8883, check our webpage at www.lafiestadelpueblo.org.