‘Taste of Latin America’ returns to Portland Mercado

FESTIVE VIDEO INCLUDED | Discover what folks found at this colorful and toothsome outer East Portland event that took place not long ago …

The food carts at Portland Mercado are the dining hub of this year’s Taste of Latin America celebration.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Again, celebrating Portland’s Latino community, the Taste of Latin America fiesta held at the Portland Mercado on August 12 and 13 appeared to please the hundreds of folks who came by during the afternoon celebrations.

See some of the colorful excitement that makes the Taste of Latin America such an enjoyable event:

The food carts at Portland Mercado, plus additional dining vendors brought attendees the Latin flavors they came for.

This edition of the Taste of Latin America also featured vendors and makers, as well as musicians and dance groups representing about a dozen countries across Central and South America.

At the festival, representing the makers participating in Empresarios program, is Hacienda CDC Program Coordinator Zitlali Corral Chavez.

“In general, the Taste of Latin America encourages people are able to try foods from all over Latin America,” remarked Zitlali Corral Chavez, the Hacienda Community Development Corporation Program Coordinator.

Dancers in colorful traditional dress from Ballet Folklorico Academia entertain the diners at the Portland Mercado.

“And, this fiesta helps Hacienda CDC fulfill its mission, because diversity is a big theme for us,” Corral Chavez added. “Our main priorities are diversity, and supporting minorities to succeed in business.

“This is a great way to do it; and, make it a fun day for everyone,” Corral Chavez observed. “The best thing that can come out of this is connecting all of our ‘worlds’ together.”

Visitors to the Taste of Latin America browse the vendors selling specialties from their native countries.

You don’t have to wait until next year to dine on the dishes from Latin America. Visit the food carts any day at the Portland Mercado, at 7238 SE Foster Road.

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