Athens’ 16th annual LatinxFest will take place this Saturday, Sept. 20, with a daylong celebration downtown from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Washington Street between Pulaski and Lumpkin streets. The festival aims to celebrate the cultural heritage and recognize the economic impact of the local Latinx community through food, music and dance, art, community resources and more, but this year’s festival has an underlying message in reaction to the current political administration’s treatment of immigrants.
“While our festival has always been a celebration of our vibrant culture, this year it is also a powerful declaration of resilience, memory and identity. We are making a clear political statement: That Latinx joy is an act of resistance in itself, and we are so much more than the labor we provide to this country,” says Lizette Guevara, one of the festival’s organizers. “We are artists, musicians, chefs, poets and storytellers. This festival is a living testament to that truth—a vibrant, joyful reclaiming of our narrative from those who would seek to reduce us.”
Each year the festival features a community altar where attendees can honor loved ones who have died, and this year the altar is dedicated to those who have lost their lives while in immigration detention. Guevara says that it’s an important promise to never forget their stories while reminding the community why they should continue to celebrate life and fight for justice.
“Through this act of remembrance and this explosion of joy, we are stating unequivocally that LatinxFest is a permanent institution in our community. We will continue to gather, to celebrate, and to thrive not in spite of the current administration, but as a direct affirmation that our culture, our community and our collective memory are enduring and cannot be erased. We are here, our joy is unapologetic and our legacy will continue for generations,” Guevara says.
Creating a safe space in the Athens community for the Latinx community to thrive is about more than one day. Guevara says that documented community members and citizens have really stepped up to shield their undocumented neighbors and that “solidarity is the bedrock of making people feel safe.” She points to the Rapid Response Team operated by the Athens Immigrants Rights Coalition (AIRC) as a model that’s working very well to keep people safe.
“This team has been an invaluable support system. It is composed of trained community volunteers who stay vigilant, monitoring for any ICE activity in our area. When a report comes in, they deploy to the scene to document the interaction meticulously. Their presence ensures that protocols are followed, rights are respected, and families have immediate access to resources and support,” says Guevara.
Although it is not the only resource in the area, AIRC is a comprehensive place to start for anyone needing assistance, says Guevara. It has a network of more specialized organizations underneath its umbrella, including know-your-rights training, financial assistance, and other direct and indirect support.
Some of these organizations will be set up at the festival on Saturday. Although these are heavy but necessary talking points, LatinxFest is still a celebration. Its entertainment schedule is packed with a variety of performances that highlight the diversity of the Latinx community. These performers include Día y Gloria Rmz, Alys, Tepeyac, TIMBAthens, Aklla Sumaq, Bichos Vivos, Consentidos de Mich, Tonalli, La Flor, Danza Azteca, Los Potros del Norte, Alongtime Ago Go, El ChupaSKAbra, La Suegra and Despedida.
There are unaffiliated events also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the coming weeks. The JPN African American Research Library is hosting a Hispanic authors meet-and-greet with an author marketing workshop on Sept. 18 at The Classic Center from 6–9 p.m. Featured authors include Edith Suárez Torres, Samuel Aguilar, Deborah Gonzalez and Paloma Alcantar. Deed Publishing will lead the workshop on how to effectively market your work as an author. Historic Athens’ monthly History Hour on Oct. 7 will focus on local Latinx history with members of DIA, U-LEAD, the Pinewoods community and CLASE. This free program at the Lyndon House Arts Center will begin at 12 p.m. with a complimentary lunch provided by Rashe’s Cuisine.
WHAT: LatinxFest
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Athens
HOW MUCH: FREE!
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