By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
Raleigh’s streets came alive Sunday afternoon as La Fiesta del Pueblo, the Triangle’s largest celebration of Latin American culture, returned for its 31st year.
Held annually as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the cultural event transformed six blocks of Fayetteville Street into a vibrant hub of music, food, art, and community connection.
Organized by El Pueblo, a Raleigh-based nonprofit dedicated to leadership development in Wake County’s Latinx community, the festival brought together a wide cross-section of people to celebrate the diverse traditions and flavors of Hispanic heritage.
Veronica Aguilar, Communications Director at El Pueblo, described the festival as “a moment to celebrate the pride, the existence, the resistance, and the legacy of the Hispanic community in North Carolina.” She emphasized that La Fiesta del Pueblo is “a moment to remember traditions held tightly, whether from home countries or passed down here in the U.S., and to connect again with that heritage.”
As immigration fears have led to the cancellation of similar events—most notably Charlotte’s Heritage Festival of the Carolinas—Raleigh’s organizers were determined to move forward.
Despite nationwide concerns over immigration crackdowns, the Raleigh event remained strong. Attendees expressed relief and joy that the festival continued as planned.
The crowd—approximately reaching 20,000—sampled cuisine from across Latin America. Food vendors included Tropical Kabob & More by Chef Palau of Greenville, offering authentic Puerto Rican dishes; Poblanos Tacos out of Knightdale with Mexican flavors; and Empanadas RD from Raleigh, serving specialties from the Dominican Republic.
Artisan booths added a creative flair to the event. Vendors such as Crafts by Shirley from Sanford featured handcrafted kitchen items like fabric bowl holders and plastic bag organizers. Charlotte’s Elizabeth Lopez Fashion showcased vintage and recycled designer apparel and accessories, while Nana Moon Spark of Concord offered macrame, crochet pieces, and beauty services.
For over three decades, La Fiesta del Pueblo has grown alongside the region’s Hispanic population, reflecting its evolving stories, challenges, and triumphs. As the festival expands each year, so does its importance as a cultural cornerstone in North Carolina.
