ROSWELL, Ga. — Combining savory dishes, traditional music and dance numbers, members of the Roswell Georgia Stake celebrated the heritage of more than 15 countries in its second annual "Fiesta de las Naciones" Sept. 14.
Like many other wards and stakes that set out to highlight their diversity through such activities, members of the hosting units, the Peachtree Corners Ward and the Cumorah Branch, focused on making it a community event as they represented the traditions of as many Latin-American countries as they could.
Originally, they didn't expect it to be this big, said Jared Figueroa, elders quorum secretary in the Cumorah Branch. They first planned on celebrating the independence day for three Latin-American countries of origin for many of their members — Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica — all around Sept. 15. "But then we decided to make it for everybody. We called it 'Fiesta de las Naciones' because even though we are celebrating Hispanic culture and countries, we are also celebrating the United States," said Brother Figueroa.
Francisco Garcia used this as an opportunity to not only help his Italian and Iranian friends become more familiar with his Mexican culture, but also with his Latter-day Saint principles.
"The fiesta allowed us to combine our Latin-American traditions with LDS principles and I think we made a positive impression on both fronts," said Brother Garcia.
Luz Montroy, a counselor in the Cumorah Branch Relief Society presidency, was instrumental in the planning, which spanned several months. All four of her children participated in the event. She said, "It is important for kids to know that there are many rich and wonderful cultures in the world."
Her son Luis, 13, who performed with his sisters in full mariachi costume, danced to the traditional Mexican song "La Negra." He invited his friends who were of Egyptian and Japanese descent. He said they've taught him a few words in Arabic and Japanese and he was eager to share his Mexican heritage with them.
"It enriches my life to know about other cultures so I wanted my friends to learn about mine," said Luis.
