Music serenaded Lansing residents in the downtown’s Addado Park all weekend, as crowds gathered to celebrate culture at the second annual Lansing Fiesta and Carnival. As weekend temperatures hit a high of mid-90’s with a blazing welcome into the summer season, the grueling heat didn’t stop attendees as they danced, drank and ate authentic fare and Carnival food at the event. The Fiesta ran through June 19-22 and also included a lineup of entertainment by local talent.
The Lansing Fiesta and Carnival was organized by Daniel Ferreyra and Tony Alvarez who sought out to create an experience that brings together the local community.
With music performances featuring the sounds of DJ Mingo and DJ Adrian Lopez to Folkorio dance performances and an elote eating contest, the local community did not let the heat deter them from coming out to celebrate culture with food, music, entertainment and even carnival rides.
The event was one part cultural fest and one part carnival with classic carnival rides, games and treats like cotton candy.
The Fiesta opened its doors on Thursday with performances from DJ Sinsation who took charge of music for most of the night as Fiesta-goers danced after the sun set until the event closed at midnight.
Former lead vocalist of Grupo Aldaco, a band that was based in the Lansing area, Jenny Albarez Peña, performed the National Anthem, just as the evening got off to a start.
“I was born and raised in Lansing, visiting from Texas for the summer,” she said. “What a great way to spend time with loved ones and the community at this family event.”
Albarez Peña, who said singing at the event was an honor, also performed on Thursday and Friday evening with a special guest, her uncle Esteban Vilarreal.
“Although I still experience nerves when singing solo, I believe my Uncle Esteban would agree that the feeling of excitement takes over, especially when we’re able to connect with the audience,” she said.
Later that evening, attendees were treated to a performance by Fantasia Ballet Folklorico, kicking off the various groups of dancers who took to the stage during the Fiesta weekend.
Bright flashes of yellow, blue and green skirts with big arm movements captivated the audience as the dancers performed in Ranchero style dresses and other traditional Folklorico wear.
Friday followed much of the same lineup, but with a performance from Grupo Fiesta and a taco eating contest featuring a $100 cash prize for the crowned winner.
On Saturday, attendees enjoyed more music and food with two contests during the night–an elote and a chicken wing eating contest.
And the event closed on Sunday evening with a free car giveaway, courtesy of Empire Motors of Lansing.
In addition to this programming, the Lansing Fiesta also featured food from Taqueria El Chaparrito and Lucy’s Kitchen, among other restaurants and food trucks. Over 100 businesses showed up at the event and a variety of local vendors gathered to sell authentic products and promote their businesses.
Raul Garcia