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DES MOINES, Iowa — During National Hispanic Heritage Month, citizens of the metro have gathered at Western Gateway Park to celebrate the Iowa Latino Hertiage Festival.

Over 15 countries are being celebrated during the festival, providing a variety of Latino cultures and customs for people to come together and enjoy. Joe Gonzalez, Executive Director of Latino Resources, says the festival gives them a chance to celebrate their culture and show what they contribute to Des Moines, Iowa, and the country.

“This country gave me a lot and it gives me an opportunity to give back, to be civically engaged with the community and putting out this festival and seeing how much fun people have makes me feel really great about our folks and our community,” said Gonzalez.

The main attraction during the festival is the amazing variety of food and drink vendors offer. Latino countries from all over the world including Mexico, Peru, Columbia, and El Salvador each have unique and special foods. The festival brings people together to enjoy the food and experiences the variety of flavors Latino foods bring to the table.

Throughout the day live music and a variety of dances will be performed, all representing different cultures. Sons of Bossa, Parranderos, and Indestructible Banda Azteca were some of the feature performances Saturday. On Sunday, groups Mariachi Femenil Tecalitlan, Selekto Show, and Las Guaracheras will perform.

The festival provides a wonderful place for children to play, learn, get creative, and spend time with family and friends. Arts and crafts, bouncy castles, face painting, and dancing are all available for kids to enjoy. Another fun activity kids can enjoy is a piñata that’s brought out and broken every hour.

Cultural booths are another special attraction for attendees. Stands around the festival represent different countries and help provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the nuances and diversity within the Latino community. These stands share dance, language, customs, politics, celebrations, and much more with people. The goal is to enrich people’s lives with learning and bring the community closer together.

Art exhibits around the park feature work from local Iowa artists. Different mediums such as photography, sculpture, oils, and even performance art help tell the story of Latino Iowans. The display creates a platform for artists to share their work and experiences, while also giving viewers an opportunity to learn and appreciate.

The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.