Dance troupe Ballet Folklorico Sol Del Mexico presented traditional stories and dance to the Y’s after school students in honor of “Welcoming Week” which runs from Sept. 12 to 21 wherein facilities promote inclusion and education of different cultures. (Photo courtesy of Blair Correll)
By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Barren County YMCA will host its Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sunday, Oct. 5. The community is invited to gather for an afternoon of food, music, and cultural celebration from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Blair Correll, the facility’s social media specialist, secured a $3,000 Welcoming Week grant, a national YMCA initiative focused on inclusion, which helped bring the festival to life. The program’s aim has supported events across the country to highlight different cultures and traditions, with the goal of creating spaces where communities can connect and learn from each other.
Mariel Casian said the festival was designed to provide such a space in Barren County.
“I wanted to create a space where people could come together, share food, music, and traditions, and also help support small, local businesses,” she explained. “It’s really about community, culture, and connection,” Casian said.
Attendees can expect a wide variety of food prepared by Hispanic vendors, ranging from tamales and pupusas to ceviche, aguachiles, and aguas frescas. Vendors will also be on hand with handmade crafts, clothing, and custom items. For families, the event will feature activities such as face painting, crafts, and games for children, along with live music to round out the afternoon.
Casian said cultural events like the Hispanic Heritage Festival give people the chance to connect across differences, learn about traditions, and build bridges in the community. She pointed to previous programs the YMCA has hosted, including opportunities for children to experience African dance, Mexican folklórico performances, and authentic foods from different countries. Those experiences, she said, have demonstrated the value of bringing people together through cultural exchange.
Casian said the energy from these programs shows the community’s interest in inclusive celebrations.
The Hispanic Heritage Festival will be free to attend and open to the public. Casian said the goal is to provide a welcoming environment where people can “celebrate, eat great food, support local vendors, and come together as a community.”
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