PITT'S LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL TO FEATURE FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND CRAFTS

PITTSBURGH, September 8 -- The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh presents its 21st annual Latin American and Caribbean Festival from 1 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, September 23 in the William Pitt Union, Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard in Oakland.

One of the region's most popular cultural events, this year's Festival will feature Latin American food, original crafts, and entertainment. The Festival is open to the public and admission is free.

Throughout the day, those attending the Festival can enjoy the diverse cuisine of Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Peru, and Puerto Rico while exploring the arts and crafts of the region on display by local artists and vendors. Many local organizations will have information booths at the Festival.

Special features this year include children's activities from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Caribbean Pan Drum demonstrations, and exhibits by indigenous artists. Mexico's Felipe Hernández Vincente will describe and demonstrate his weaving technique, which draws heavily on the imagery of the Zapotec people. Maria de los Angeles Guerrero Diaz will discuss, as she paints, the fantasy animal woodcarvings (alebrijes) of Oaxaca, Mexico.

The artists' work will be available for purchase at the Festival.

Performances will include music from Venezuela, Brazil, the Andes, and the Caribbean by indigenous and local Latin-American groups. The evening concludes with Salsa dance lessons by Marlon Silva, followed by the pulsating rhythms of Guaracha and Orquestra Tropical.

For more information, visit the web site at www.ucis.pitt.edu/internationalweek/ or call the Pitt Center for Latin American Studies at 412-648-7392.