Vestavia Hills High School. Arguably one of the best high schools in the state. However, many students feel isolated and dissociated from our city's lack of cultural diversity. What these students are not aware of is that there are significant celebrations of different cultures that advocate for diversity and acceptance of other cultures. One example of this is Fiesta Birmingham. Fiesta Birmingham is a yearly non-profit festival that remains one of Alabama's most significant celebrations of Hispanic culture. It started twenty years ago, and this past weekend was the twentieth annual Festival. Fiesta Birmingham was originally in conjunction with a Hispanic organization known as ¡HICA! (The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama). This event started to celebrate and embrace the Hispanic culture that we have here in Alabama, specifically in Birmingham. This year the Festival took place in downtown Birmingham at Linn Park. Restaurants and food trucks that offer authentic Latin cuisine lined the streets.
One food truck that drew attention was the local small business ThirstTea Cafe. Many Vestavia Hills High School students are frequent visitors of the cafe, but most are unaware that it is a Latina-owned business. The main stage is set up in the middle of the park, showcasing different performing groups such as traditional Mexican dances, Aztec performers, etc. From food to clothes to pots and pans, Fiesta has it all. People from different backgrounds were able to set up booths around the park to shine a light on the items that are important to their cultures. Fiesta gives Alabama the unique opportunity to experience the culture of Latin American countries in their own city. The Festival allows Birmingham to be a community that encourages multiculturalism and acceptance.
In the last five to six years, Vestavia Hills High School students have gotten more involved in the Festival. Members of the Spanish Club and Spanish Honors Society have been able to volunteer at the Festival, helping at the information booth, arts and crafts stations, and the petting zoo, as well as backstage, helping set up the stage for performances. This year's Festival had a strong turnout of Vestavia volunteers and guests. Ms. Jordan, one of the Spanish teachers at Vestavia Hills High School, mentioned that "not only has Vestavia's involvement in the Festival grown over the years, but the event itself has also grown over the years. More and more restaurants have become a part of the celebration, and every year more and more countries come to celebrate as well." Spanish Honor Society students Cecilia Cantevespre, Sam Curfman, and Holland Backus were some of the many students that volunteered at the Festival this year. Ms. Garrison, a Spanish teacher at Vestavia Hills High School, explained, "One of the things I was most excited about was that this year we had more students that came that were not volunteers, but they came to come and enjoy the Festival. Before, you would see mainly Hispanics, but now you'll see Hispanics and many other people come out to celebrate."
Fiesta Birmingham had a fantastic turnout this year, with all Spanish-speaking countries represented at the Festival. Not only is attending the Festival a great way to learn and experience other cultures, but it is also for a good cause. A portion of the yearly profits is used to fund the annual Fiesta Scholarship, which is given to Latinx students in Alabama to encourage success through higher education in a field of their choice. At Fiesta Birmingham, you are fully immersed in these different cultures. You will not only be able to see Mexican culture, but also Puerto Rican culture, Colombian culture, etc. Making these connections and experiencing these cultures firsthand breaks down barriers and opens up people's minds and hearts to be more involved in the diversity of our city.
Comments