Annual festivals in Nevada that celebrate Hispanic culture

From celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos; to chowing down on tacos and tamales, check out these annual festivals that celebrate Hispanic culture in the Silver State.

Nevada loves to celebrate Latin culture, and not just during Hispanic Heritage Month in September. That’s because there’s a lot to celebrate, from music and food to dancing and art. 

Whether commemorating a holiday like Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos or simply chowing down on tacos and tamales, you’ll find plenty of festive fun all year round at a Hispanic festival in Las Vegas or Reno.

Be sure to check out these annual festivals that celebrate Latin culture in the Silver State.

Festivals in Reno

Reno Latin Dance Fest

When: January 9-12
Where: Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia Street
Cost: From $30

Learn to dance or hone your skills with professional dance instructors by day. Watch dance showcases in the evening. Then dance the night away with fellow dance enthusiasts from all over the world at the 17th annual Reno Latin Dance Fest. Workshops for all levels and dance parties include genres and styles like bachata, salsa, cumbia, hip-hop, and jazz.

The Biggest Little Latin Festival

When: September 13, 4-10 p.m.; September 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: On Virginia Street from 2nd to 6th streets
Cost: Free

Fun for the whole family, The Biggest Little Latin Festival in Reno is the ultimate block party with Latin-style food, drinks, vendors, and live entertainment. There will be free concerts, a craft fair, dancing, and family-friendly activities like camel rides, face painting, corn hole, and bungee jumping. The two-day fiesta will also include taco vendors and a live taco judging contest. 

Fiesta on Wells

When: September 24
Where: South Wells Avenue
Cost: Free

A celebration of Hispanic culture, Fiesta on Wells closes five blocks on South Wells Avenue for a block party filled with music, dance, food, and 100 booths, providing community information and services. Reno’s Wells Avenue is known for its vibrant array of diverse Latin businesses.

Festivals in Las Vegas

Drinko de Mayo

Where: Fremont Street Experience
When: May 5
Cost: Free

Cinco de Mayo is all about drinking and partying, and who knows better about drinking and partying than the fine folks at the Fremont Street Experience? If you’re 21 or over, you’re encouraged to head downtown and let loose at Drinko de Mayo, the ultimate Latin street party with drink specials, nonstop entertainment, and a silent disco.

Cinco de Drinko

Where: Plaza Hotel and Casino, 1 Main Street
When: May 5
Cost: Free

The party continues downtown at the Plaza Hotel with a mariachi band, folklorico dancers, and a DJ spinning radio hits with a mix of Latin music. Take a whack at a giant piñata, check out a photo house, and enjoy drink specials on margaritas, micheladas, and tequila shots at the Carousel Bar during Cinco de Drinko. Top it all off with a Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnut from Pinkbox Doughnuts.

Rumbazo

When: September 13 & 14
Where: Downtown Events Center
Cost: Weekend passes start at $89

Get ready to dance the weekend away at the Rumbazo Latin music festival, now in its third year. The two-day fiesta celebrates Mexico’s Independence with El Grito, art, food, and headlining performances by Hispanic musicians like Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Codiciado, and Arcángel.

El Grito: Celebrating the Independence of Mexico

When: September 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

Cost: Free.

Come one, come all for a community festival with an El Grito ceremony, mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, and children’s activities. A partnership between the Consulate of Mexico, the City of Las Vegas, and the the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, this festival is open to the public. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from Rafael Rivera Park, 2850 Stewart Avenue.

Día De Los Muertos Festival

When: November 2, 4-9 p.m.
Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive
Cost: Free

The Pacifico Dance Company will help celebrate this traditional, family-friendly festival. Open to the public, it will include an ofrenda (offering) contest, artisan vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and live performances. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and low-rise chairs. Submissions for the 2024 contest are due by Oct. 20 (702.229.2238).

Tamale and Mariachi Festival

When: December 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street
Cost: Free 

The entire family is invited to downtown Las Vegas to eat the best tamales in town at this daylong food and music festival with Mexican antojitos, mariachi music, Folklorico dance, and vendors. Tequila and beer tasting will be available for a fee.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.