And here it comes, one of the most sought-after events in Vancouver for the people who want to get themselves into the culture, dances, food, and all the fun that Carnaval del Sol is going to bring from July 8th to 10th at Jonathan Rogers Park, Downtown. Just as in other years, the Plaza will be separated into different zones where you can go and enjoy the Latin magic that will be happening here this summer.
First of all, there is the VCAD (Visual College of Arts and Design) Main Stage, which will host more than 400 artists. This is the frame of Latin culture and the plaza that will provide a multicultural experience where you can indulge yourself in the various genres and styles of music that are brought by the Latin community, regardless of age, gender or background. Then, for the little ones, Carnaval del Sol presents the Kids Plaza, where parents are also welcomed. This is a scheduled weekend of activities where three to ten years olds can play by making crafts, having Zumba classes, reading fairies, and also expanding their imagination and expressing themselves by getting fully into Latin culture.
The next one you will love, it’s the Food Plaza. Here you will make the greatest gastronomic journey by tasting and enjoying vibrant flavors with homegrown ingredients and dishes from different parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Then the Art Plaza is where Latin American art in Vancouver takes its place proudly among the wide spectrum of cultural diversity our city has to offer. Come enjoy their creative labor through the full gamut of artistic expression, including traditional painting, live painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, and handcrafts, among others. VCC (Vancouver Career College) VIP Plaza hands you the Super Pass, if you need a break from the fiesta, or just want to relax with some complimentary refreshments, the VIP LOUNGE Zone has you covered to enjoy Carnaval del Sol like a VIP.
The NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) Family Plaza is the second stage, where artists and dancers will be giving an amazing time to enjoy with your family. Carnaval del Sol will also offer to visitors the La Taqueria Pinche Taco shop Experience Plaza. On Saturday and Sunday, people will be able to join a Culinary Show and learn how to cook traditional dishes with talented chefs. Last but not least, visitors will also have access to the Granville Island Brewing Beer Plaza, the perfect place to enjoy food, cold beer, music, and fun activities, so feel free to join and have an amazing time.
Apart from Carnaval del Sol, Latincouver also offers Latin American Experience, also a scheduled program that comes to Vancouver for you to enjoy from July 2 to the 16th and that is composed by a series of fun events related to Latin America. These are the events that will take place throughout July and what to expect of each one of them:
- July 2nd: Fiesta Blanca on a Cruise
This is the hottest annual summer event in Vancouver, the Salsa cruise is a mix of all types of music where you will get the rhythm and the tropical atmosphere of the dances and lots of Latin American food available on board. The gorgeous MV Britannia, with 3 levels, each playing their own music with different DJs, will also offer beginner’s salsa lessons by great instructors that will give you the best of this fun and popular dance. And don’t forget to separate some white clothes to join the party.
- July 7th: Latin Jazz Extravaganza
An unforgettable concert showcasing some of the most relevant Latin Jazz standards, improvisation, Salsa, and more at Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre. With the performance of: Zapato Negro Duo (Jazz & Afro Caribbean Rhythm), Rumba Calzada (Latin Jazz & Afro Cuban, Salsa Band) and Brejera (Choro, Forró, Bossa Nova, Frevo and Pagode).
- July 8th: Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Beer Garden
This is the opening of the biggest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, which we already talked about, and it is going to be a night full of excitement in their famous beer garden on Friday and the tickets are free! You just need to register and be ready to have a great night.
- July 15th: Flamenco & Tango (Workshop)
This is going to be a night of Flamenco and Tango songs, dance, and lessons in an intimate setting at the Annex Theatre. Performing Flamenco Rosario (España), Kasandra Flamenco (España) and Tango Lab (Argentina).
- July 16th: Salsa Night (Workshop)
Here there will be amazing music performances and dance lessons in which the emphasis will be on having fun while providing high-quality dance instructions and experiences that will help you get deeper into your cultural understanding and regain a new passion for dance. This event will take place at the Annex Theatre.
- July 23rd-24th: World Soccer Tournament
Here is your chance to get into a soccer tournament. The registration per team is $250, so get your best people and have fun. This will take place at the Trillium Synthetic Turf Fields (East and West fields). Teams will be assigned names of random countries and it will be 7 vs. 7 games, which means each team will have 10 players each to account for 3 substitutes for injuries. The prize for first place is $1000 CAD, for second place, $300 CAD, and for third place, Salsa Cruise tickets.
If you want to know more about Carnaval del Sol and Latin American Experience and buy the tickets, please visit the official website: www.carnavaldelsol.ca. Enjoy and have the best experiences you can get!
Sponsored by Latincouver and Carnaval del Sol