Unidos En La Música, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument Connect Latin Music to St. Augustine’s 400-Year-Old Latin Heritage
NATIONAL PARK THE FOUNDATION FUNDS EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT WITH LATINO COMMUNITIES AND CELEBRATE LATINO CULTURE, INCLUDING THE FAMILY EVENING OF OSCAR-WINNER ENCANTO
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida., April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Unidos En La Música: A Latin American Festival Returns to St. Augustine on Saturday May 7 with a strategic partnership with Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument, with support from the National Park Foundation’s Latino Heritage Fund. This new partnership will connect Latin music lovers to the city’s Latin heritage sites dating back more than 400 years. will take place on Saturday, May 7 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Field Francois located at 25 W Castillo Dr, St. Augustinethe festival’s highly anticipated musical lineup will feature Grammy Award-winning Salsa Legends Grupo Niche, ColombiaBaba Caiman, Los Ineditos del Vallenato and Fuisha Funk from Mexico.
The National Park Foundation is delighted to support this event which celebrates the diversity of Latino culture across the parks.
“San Marcos Castle and Fort Matanzas National Monuments are proud to join Saint Augustin the largest Latino event that brings together tens of thousands of Latino families for the weekend”, mentioned Gordie Wilsonoverseer of San Marcos Castle and the National Monuments of Fort Matanzas. “In the spirit of music and culture, we join Unidos En La Música in celebrating Saint Augustin the rich Latino heritage and community and the role of Latino heritage sites in our national parks in preserving and telling these stories.”
As a cultural sponsor of the Unidos En La Música music festival, San Marcos Castle and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will kick off the weekend’s event with a “Movie Night at the Fort,” featuring a special screening of Disney’s Oscar– award-winning animated film Encanto. During the music festival on Saturday, the parks will host activities including an exhibition stand with information on Saint Augustin Spanish heritage, living history volunteers depicting soldiers from the 1700s, junior ranger activities for children of all ages, national park ranger law enforcement and local first aid vehicles and gifts.
“The National Park Foundation’s Latino Heritage Fund program is thrilled to support this wonderful event that celebrates the diversity of Latino culture across the national parks,” mentioned Adrena Ifilldirector of history and culture at the National Park Foundation. “Latin history is a vibrant part of United States history, and the mission of the Latino Heritage Fund is to preserve and elevate Latino histories throughout the national park system, including sites like San Marcos Castle and Fort Matanzas National Monuments.”
Like Saint Augustin the largest Latino event, Unidos En La Música will feature live music, dance groups, food and games throughout the day. Guests can enjoy special salsa and bachata workshops led by world champions Emily and Raul, as well as Romi and Alex from Miami. Over 75 authentic market vendors and 14 Latino food trucks will be on hand to showcase the distinctive style and range of Latin American foods, crafts and textiles.
“As founders of Unidos En La Música: A Latin American Festival, it is a great honor to connect Saint Augustin emblematic national monuments of our Festival and of our Heritage”, mentioned Erika WeitzCEO of St. Augustine-based nonprofit Latin Community Services 501c3. “When members of the Latin community think of ‘San Agustin’, we imagine the sites of Castillo and Fort Matanzas and the sounds of Latin music coming from Field Francois in summer. This is a partnership committed to celebrating Latino culture, past, present and future.”
Press release in Spanish
ABOUT UNIDOS EN LA MÚSICA
A Latin American Festival: In its second year, Unidos En La Música: A Latin American Festival celebrates Latin American culture through world-class music, authentic cuisine, dance, vendors and cultural exhibits. Our mission is to spread knowledge of true Latino culture, to engage and inspire, to break down language barriers, to unify.
ABOUT THE CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND THE FORT MATANZAS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built by the Spaniards in St. Augustine defend Florida and the Atlantic Trade Route, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the continent’s oldest masonry fortification United States and interprets over 450 years of cultural intersections. Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified watchtower, completed in 1742, that defended the southern approach to the Spanish military colony of St. Augustine and protects approximately 300 acres of Florida coastal environment.
ABOUT NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation strives to protect wildlife and parks, preserve history and culture, educate and engage young people, and connect people around the world to the wonders of parks. We do this in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park’s partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at nationalparks.org.
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SOURCE National Park Foundation