Saanich’s Beckwith Park came alive with music, dancing, and the smell of Latin American cuisine Sunday (June 30) as families gathered for the annual Dia de Campo Hispano, a cultural picnic hosted by the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society.
Celebrating its third year, the free, family-friendly event was designed to bring together Spanish-speaking communities of Vancouver Island, representing more than 15,000 residents with roots in 21 different countries.
“It’s a community event to create a safe space for the Hispanic community to come and enjoy the day,” said Gume Arzola, chair of the society. “We wanted to create an event in the summer where families can come, connect with each other and build a community, especially for newcomers.”
The celebration included live music, traditional dancing, sporting activities, a magic show for children, and two pinatas.
More than just a place to enjoy food and dance with loved ones, the event was also created as a way to share Hispanic culture with Canadian-born residents.
“One of our main purposes is to be the connector between our community and the other communities that we share space with here on the Island,” said Arzola. “It is important not only to integrate our Spanish-speaking communities, but also to help them build bridges with residents. Everyone is welcome to join us, celebrate and enjoy the culture, food, music and dance all together.”
Vendors, cooks and craftspeople from across the region also came to showcase their heritage. Among them was Patricia Chau, owner of Limena Cuisine, who served some staples from her home country of Peru. On the menu were ground beef empanadas, passion fruit cheesecake, and alfajores – Peruvian shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche.
“Most of us are immigrants, so just seeing people from other countries makes us feel that we belong together and it makes us stronger,” said Chau. “This event also shows Canadians the Hispanic community and how we are such a broad diversity.”
For newcomers like Joanna Trelles, who moved to Victoria a year and a half ago with her husband and daughter, the event offered a sense of belonging.
“I try to participate in these Latin American events because we can share our culture and heritage with the community here in Victoria,” she said. “I'm really honoured to be here and share my culture in Saanich.”
To learn more about the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society, visit vihns.ca/en
