Latino atmosphere at the Châtelain

LATINO ATMOSPHERE AT THE CHÂTELAIN Salsa, merengue, tacos and mojitos on the programme of this weekend's Fiesta Latina IXELLES - For the third year running, the place du Châtelain and the Bailli district host the Fiesta Latina festival this weekend. Created in 2003 at the initiative of Bruno Bayet, it is starting to grow. At first the festival ran over a single day and looked more like a large neighbourhood party. 10,000 people the first year, 15,000 the next; this time the aim is to reach 30,000 visitors, but over two days, Saturday and Sunday. The programme includes seven concerts, three stages, salsa and merengue classes and entertainment for children. Many Latin American countries will be represented, such as Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. This year the Fiesta Latina festival takes the Caribbean islands as its theme. Last year it was the great carnival. Two highly colourful themes that fit perfectly with the organisers' wish to create a very joyful event. To illustrate the theme, the Dominican Republic will be the festival's guest of honour. For the occasion, two bands will be guests of honour, Sin Fronteras and Coco Band. The latter will close the festival. For early risers, a free brunch is organised on Sunday at 11 am. Otherwise, as the Latin theme requires, there will be tacos, chili con carne, empanadas (tuna and tomato turnovers), parrillas (grilled Argentinian rib steaks), matambres (rolled and stuffed cuts of beef) and much more. And of course the king and queen of Latin moods will be there too: the mojito and the caipirinha. Two essentials of any Fiesta Latina. Other pleasures await, such as jewellery, paintings and textiles, also from Latin America. Mateusz Kukulka Fiesta Latina, place du Châtelain and Bailli district. Saturday from noon to midnight. Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Info: www.fiestalatina.be Photo caption: For its third edition, the Fiesta Latina festival and its Latin sounds take over the Châtelain and Bailli districts all weekend. Photo credit: DR.