Guatemala’s culture and it’s Mayan ancestry will be celebrated this weekend in a lively festival that’s expected to attract thousands to Lafayette Park in Los Angeles.
The ninth annual Festival Chapin de Los Angeles, which is marketed as the largest Guatemalan festival outside of Guatemala, returns Oct. 11-12 and will span a seven-block stretch of Lafayette Park.
The festival was first scheduled for August but was postponed because of concerns over recent federal immigration enforcement activity.
“It’s a celebration of everything we love about our culture and our roots and we’re happy to celebrate,” said Walter Martinez, founder of Festival Chapin de Los Angeles.
The free event is named Festival Chapin because the word is used by Guatemalans to describe their ethnic origins that date back to the Mayan civilization that thrived in what is now Guatemala in Central America.
The ninth annual Festival Chapin de Los Angeles returns Oct. 11-12 and will span a seven-block stretch of Lafayette Park, (Photo courtesy Festival Chapin)Those origins will be observed with traditional food served at the festival including garnachas, a dish similar to a Mexican sope, and hilachas, a traditional shredded stewed meat plate. People will also get a chance to try chicken pepián. It’s considered the national dish of Guatemala and is made with tender chicken pieces in lightly-spiced tomato, toasted pumpkin seed and chile sauce. Festival-goers can also try shucos, which are Guatemalan hot dogs with toppings like guacamole, sauces, sliced cabbage and sometimes other meats like chorizo.
Music will be on hand so people can expect to see traditional dance groups, live marimba and cumbia performances and some rock via a set by Alux Nahual, one of Guatemala’s oldest and best known rock bands.
The ninth annual Festival Chapin de Los Angeles returns Oct. 11-12 and will span a seven-block stretch of Lafayette Park, (Photo courtesy Festival Chapin)Adding to the festivities will be a craft market selling traditional colorful clothes, footwear, pottery and jewelry made by Guatemalan artisans.
“For those who are not Guatemalan they can learn and experience our culture and our people,” Martinez said.
Festival Chapin de Los Angeles
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 12
Where: Lafayette Park, 625 S. Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles
Cost: Free to enter
Information: www.festivalchapin.com
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