Latin Festival Fosters Cross-Cultural Unity and Fellowship in Delaware Capital

Latin rhythms, colorful vendor displays, and the aroma of authentic cuisine filled the Green in historic downtown Dover, Delaware, on Saturday as the fourth annual Baila Con Dover Latin Festival brought residents, community groups, and local leaders together to celebrate Hispanic heritage and intercultural fellowship.   

A Grassroots Vision Takes Root

The festival, organized by the Hispanic Organization of Latin Americans (HOLA), has grown significantly since its early days. Delaware State Sen. Eric Buckson told The Epoch Times that he has supported the gathering alongside founder Tony Velazquez since the beginning four years ago.  

“I was with him then when it was just a few vendors and a very small crowd,” Buckson said. “The start was a tiny little stage … but the vision was there, and to Tony’s credit, he pushed hard, and now if you look at it, you’ve got wow! It’s everywhere.”

Buckson, who joined in the festival activities by completing chin-up challenges, noted with a laugh that it was “not bad considering I’m 60,” and highlighted the unifying nature of the event.

“I love the culture. I love the community. We’re America. It’s a place where we celebrate our differences,” Buckson said.

“What I’m learning is there’s that universal ingredient that spirituality connects us all to … regardless of your community, we all believe in a higher power, and I think that’s celebrated here.”

Dover’s ‘Melting Pot’ in Action

Dover Councilman David Anderson, attending for his fourth consecutive year, described the festival as a testament to the city’s unity.

“That’s the way Dover works. It’s a melting pot. We all get together. We support each other because we’re one community,” Anderson told The Epoch Times.

He noted that many organizers have connections to Dover Air Force Base, adding that intercultural sharing strengthens the municipality.

“Anytime we have more understanding and share with each other, the better off we are.”

Between conversations with constituents, Anderson enjoyed the day’s activities, which spanned from dominoes to axe-throwing.  

Community outreach played a central role in the festivities.

Dr. Maribel Garcia, pastor at Maranatha Life Training Church—a multicultural congregation with members from over 20 countries—and president of Cold Purple Kent County, arrived with more than 50 volunteers.

Garcia explained that while Cold Purple Kent County operates emergency shelters for the homeless in winter, its year-round mission includes food and clothing pantries.

At the festival, the team distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, winter clothes, shoes, and food.  

“Even though it’s a Spanish Latino festival, it’s bringing a lot of nations together that we can come together with one purpose to serve our community and bring some hope,” Garcia said, emphasizing that her favorite part of the day was “being able to serve the people and see the smiles in the children’s faces.”

Finding Common Ground

Political candidates and local residents echoed the positive spirit of the day.

Dr. Mike Katz, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Delaware visiting the festival for the first time, praised the family-centered atmosphere.

“Events like this bring people together, different cultures, help people understand each other, and just really let people know how much we actually have in common with each other,” Katz said.

Earl Cooper, Republican candidate for Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat, stressed the economic and social importance of Delaware’s Hispanic population.

“The Latin community plays a very important role here in Delaware. Not just our agriculture, but in our construction, in all these areas that we need help in,” Cooper remarked, noting that such gatherings are vital “to make Delaware not so segregated, but to make Delaware one.”

Dr. Robert Buckley, clinical director at Optimus Injury Treatment Center, who especially appreciated the presence of animal rescue groups after having recently lost his companion cat of more than 20 years, commended the open atmosphere.

“Everything’s positive. We got the Democrats. We got the Republicans. Everybody’s talking to each other,” Buckley observed, noting that most Americans simply want a safe, thriving community for their families.

First-time attendee Chelsea Prest noted that the crowd exceeded her expectations, while vendor Vanessa Alstos and local school assistant Paul Skivers both highlighted the vibrant colors, variety of booths, and welcoming environment throughout the day.