New Zealand knows how to throw a party, and that was clear yesterday at the opening of the weekend-long Latin Festival Auckland. The schedule of events at this Auckland summer fiesta weekend is varied. With two sound stages, there seemed to always be multiple options of things to do. The main dance floor alternates between a performance stage, a home for dance lessons, and an open public dance floor. And, of course, there is food.
Samba Parade the Highlight of my Auckland Summer
For me, the Samba Parade was a drawing card, and it did not disappoint. All eyes turned to the stage as the Brazilian dancers approached. Adorned with brightly coloured feathers, glitter, and high heels, the dancer’s samba costumes were mesmerising. Their movements were smooth and exciting at the same time. Once they finished their performance, the Samba Parade began, and the crowd joined in, before returning to the floor for open salsa dancing.
Samba dancers pose for a photo before their performance.
I love the bright and colourful Samba costumes, although I am pretty sure I am too old wear one.
At some point, the men came out and joined the Samba dance.
Samba is a Brazilian dance possibly made most famous by the Samba Parades of Carnival.
The finale was a samba parade, lead by these beautiful dancers and followed by the crowd.
South American Food at the Auckland Latin Festival
Tempting me even before I was hungry, the aroma of Brazilain barbeque and Argentinian Asado filled the air. There were not a lot of food carts, but they seemed to cover all the favourites. If you are headed there this weekend, go hungry, as there are almost too many great choices. And I now have a new favourite food. They’re called alfajores, and if you have tried it before, you know why I loved it.
TIP: There is a water cooler next to the beer stand.
A row of food carts offered several South American favourites including barbecue meats, empanadas, alfajores, churros, and more.
I know there is a secret to South American barbecue that makes it so good. This Brazilian Barbecue was so tempting, but I opted for a delicious empanada at the next food cart.
Sarah’s face lit up when she saw alfajores. They are one of her favourite sweets from her year as an exchange student in Argentina. We tried the three different flavours. Naturally, the dark chocolate was my favourite. Filled with dulce de leche, it is a treat not to be missed.
(Photo shot on an iPhone.)
More Festival Entertainment
After countless songs played and the crowd danced, the floor was cleared once again for performances in capoeira, Latin music, salsa dancing, and more samba.
Capoeira is so graceful to watch. It is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates dance, acrobatics, and music. The “dancers” and the musicians are all part of the group.
A second stage also featured live shows. Auckland does these events so well.
An animated and fun salsa dance. One of the things I really like about Auckland events like this is that spectators just sit down around the stage and watch.
Salsa with a Pacific Island twist.
Dancing the Night Away at the Festival
As darkness descended, this giant block party seemed to grow. We stayed, danced, ate, danced more, and finally went home before the festival ended at 11.30 pm.
Even Jeff and I joined in the dancing.
(Photo shot on an iPhone.)
Like a giant block party, Aucklanders seemed to come out after dark.
Practical Information on the Latin Festival Auckland
- The Latin Festival is part of the Auckland Live Summer in the Square series and is free to enter.
- This year’s Latin fiesta began yesterday and runs through tomorrow, Jan 14, 2018. The schedule for this 2018 Auckland summer event can be found here.
- Located in Aotea Square, the event has dancing lessons, open dancing, games and activities for children, lounge chairs for relaxing, shaded areas, sunny areas, two sound stages, food carts, and plenty of fun.
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Other Auckland Cultural Festivals I Love
There is often an option for an Auckland festival on the weekends. The lively Latin Festival is one of my favourite New Zealand festivals. Some of my other favourites include:
- Chocolate and Coffee Show in Auckland
- Auckland Food Show
- Auckland Diwali Festival
- Seafood Festival in Auckland (no seafood festival in 2018)
- Auckland On the Water Boat Show
- Chinese Lantern Festival
Read Next: If you are looking for other things to do in the city,
don’t miss this list of over 75 free and nearly free things to in Auckland.
Will you visit the Latin Festival Auckland for Brazilian dancing, Argentinian food, dance lessons, to enjoy the music, or just to people watch?
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Such a festive event! Look at all those colors…I love Latin parties!
Rhonda the festival, costumes and food look amazing. I definitely would love to attend. I’ve never heard of it before!
I missed this festival, I have been there in Auckland in summer but due to work, I can’t attend the fest. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
Boy does this ever look like fun. You’ve certainly captured the festival with your wonderful photos. I can almost hear the music and taste the food. Love the colorful costumes. Thanks for sharing
Wonderful images, and those Alfajores look awesome too 😛 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Looks like a fun day with lots of energy. I would love to try some of the barbecue. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
Wow, what a wonderful time and great pics. Thanks for sharing this festival. Hopefully, one day I will be able to go.
Love the photos looks like loads of fun and ten times better than our Notting Hill Carnival all the colours and dancing plus the lovely food plus the live shows, brilliant.
Have a festivaltastic week Rhonda 🙂