Marimba Sol de Chiapas, Rumba Buena Headline Cultural Fest with Music, Food and Fun

NEW ORLEANS (Wednesday, September 1, 2010) – On September 17, from 5-9 p.m., Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will present Fiesta Hispana, a new festival celebrating Latin Heritage on the week of Mexico’s bicentennial, as well as the independence holidays of all Central American nations. Four hours of live music will feature the traditional Mexican sounds of Marimba Sol de Chiapas, making their first public appearance in New Orleans, as well as local favorites Rumba Buena and Javier Gutierrez & Acoustic Swiftness. Authentic cuisine and libations will be available at stations representing the city’s top Latin American restaurants and vendors.

Admission is free prior to the day’s last race at 5 p.m. From 5-9 p.m. admission is $10. Main acts will perform on the west side of Fair Grounds’ air-conditioned grandstand, while food and cultural demonstrations will be ongoing trackside and around the open-air paddock. Parking in the secure, well-lit Fair Grounds lot is free.

Fiesta Hispana is presented in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans, the Consulate General of Honduras in New Orleans, KGLA-TV Telemundo and KGLA 1540-AM Radio Tropical.

First post for live American Quarter Horse racing on Sept. 17 is 12:40 p.m. General admission to the Summer Quarter Horse Season (Tuesdays to Saturdays, Sept. 14-25) is always free.