July 9th and 10th, 2011 Hispanic Fiesta at Penn's Landing

The 30TH Annual Hispanic Fiesta, hosted by the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, Inc. (Concilio), will include a variety of folkloric music, dancing, entertainment, art, crafts and cuisine. As part of the PECO Multicultural Series, the history and heritage of Hispanic culture will be celebrated on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

As in prior years, the Hispanic Fiesta will feature the various rhythms of Latin America including Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. In addition, the Fiesta will showcase artisan crafts and authentic foods from several Latin American and Caribbean countries such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

On Saturday July 9, everyone will be dancing to the music of headliner Henry Santos from the popular Bachata band, Aventura. Also on Saturday, the main stage will vibrate with the music of Zol y Luna. Formed in 2009, Zol y Luna's music repertoire is a mix of several musical genres including Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Reggae, Pop and R&B.

On Sunday July 10, the main entertainment will be in the hands of Salsa singer José Alberto “El Canario”. José Alberto became a major Latin music star in 1984 after the release of his album Noches Calientes. With his album Dance with Me, released in 1991, José Alberto established a new style of Salsa music: salsa romántica. Ever since, “El Canario” has reached great success in the United States, Latin America and around the world.

Also on Sunday, special guest Chio from Wired 96.5 will be on stage addressing the crowd.

For the first time ever, there will also be comedy. Colombian-born, New York-bred actor and comedian Carlos González will present a comedy act. Carlos has appeared in such hit TV shows as HBO's Sex in the City and NBC's Law and Order. It is the combination of acting and comedy skills which has made Carlos a talented and multifaceted artist on stage.

Those looking for work might just get that job interview by attending the Hispanic Fiesta at Penn's Landing. Colonial Penn Insurance is happy to present the Job Corner. The public is encouraged to bring their resumes. Also, new this year, Health Partners is happy to present the Health Corner, where several health and wellness promoters will present valuable health information and much-needed screenings to the community.

This FREE Fiesta, now in its 30th year, works to publicize the importance of the Latino culture and the contribution of the Hispanic community to the Philadelphia region. This year, the Hispanic Fiesta at Penn's Landing is presented by State Farm.

Admission is FREE for all PECO Multicultural Series events. KYW Newsradio and NBC 10 are proud media partners of the series.