Colorful Latin Fest Features Dance, Skits, and Poetry

Students wore a variety of traditional clothing for the fashion show. *Photo: Continental Studios*

By AMALIA LEBOWITSCH and ELISE BADMAEV

The crowd roared in celebration as a fiesta to the song “Titi Me Pregunto” by Latin superstar Bad Bunny kicked off the vibrant and entertaining Latin Fest 2023 on October 19.

Embarking on its second post-pandemic year and third annual performance overall, Latin Fest changed course from previous years. Instead of just showcasing aspects of each represented country, it followed a story intertwined with cultural songs, exotic modeling, fun dances, and original poems.

This year’s installment was brought to life by Pa’lante, Mr. Julio Hernandez, Mr. Max Pinsky, Ms. Nora Diaz Guevara, and numerous student performers.

Head commissioner Estefani Mateo Garcia ‘25 said, “I wanted to make sure that this year was also as great [as last year] and even add many more new acts. We added more culture representation, we had short skits, more dances, more singing, and modeling.”

The story, created by writing director Sonia Rodas, follows a heartsick girl played by senior Lizabeth Cabrera who just found out her boyfriend is cheating on her. Her group of friends try to cheer her up, and one of them attempts to share his affections for her.

Following the opening act, senior Ashly Flores sang “Cariño” by The Marias, a TikTok sensation that sent the crowd into a stage of euphoria. Flores, a returning Latin Fest member, said she hoped the show influenced the crowd to listen to more Spanish music.

The gift that kept giving was the musical performances – not just by the students, but also by The Differentiated, a band made up of teachers Ms. Mardie Goodwin, Mr. Jordan Finn, Mr. Pinsky, and Mr. Oleg Dudal, who flawlessly executed “Me Gustas Tú” by Manu Chao.

Mr. Pinsky said, “This year, I think we had a wider variety of countries and cultures represented than ever before. This was reflected in the costumes, dances, and songs. It exemplified the fact that Midwood's diversity is one of our greatest assets.”

Latin Fest wouldn’t be complete without dance; this one featured passionate Cumbia, festive Caribbean bachata, rhythmic Haitian dance, intimate South American reggae, and more.

“Wow, Latin Fest really brought the heat this year, and I swear I just wanted to keep watching all the ladies break it down to the exciting tempos,” said Sophie Gurevich ‘24.

Entertaining skits paid homage to Latin culture. *Photo: Continental Studios*

Crowd participation continued to soar for the vocal performances of Luis Luna ‘24 and Chris Tapia Chimborazo ‘24, and as they belted out notes, the audience waved their phone flashlights along with the rhythm.

“The moment was unreal,” said Luna. “Seeing everyone’s iPhone flashes just made me feel so supported, especially after all the nerves.”

That was not the only heartfelt moment of the night. The beautiful poems of Jelani Washington ‘24, Rodas, and Cabrera were pivotal acts that showed Midwood the beauty of a Latin familia.

“The community environment was a bit separated at first, but as we worked together, people collaborated with one another,” said Rodas. “I truly built a family here, one that I can learn new things about and relate to.”

According to the overall commissioner, one thing that truly made a difference was the support of the faculty advisors. Garcia said, “I relied on them a lot. I asked for their support and help, and they were like ‘anything you need.’ They saw me go through my own ups and down and always supported me, reminding me that I should not stress.”

“Like any other production there were minor twists and turns,” said Ms. Guevara, who also made an appearance on stage during the final party scene where she poked fun at Latin family stereotypes.

The fest ended how it started, with a dance party, this time with all the members carrying their representative country’s flags.

Latin Fest was able to blend the most modern and popular parts of students’ cultures while still saving the essence of important traditions like the quinceañera.

“I really felt the warmth of each performer, and it felt great to see diversity being celebrated,” said Serena Li ‘25.

“I hope the audience was able to understand that there isn’t just one way to define ‘Latinidad,’” said Rodas. “We are artists, singers, dancers, poets, actors, and so much more. There are so many communities that make up Latin America and which deserve to be in the spotlight. I hope they understood the passion that we lead ourselves with, and how anybody can be included in expressing that passion.”