By Nile Whent
On Sept. 5, the first Amigos de Westfield was held in Asa Bales Park. Sponsored by Westfield Parks and Recreation and Brickman Group, among others, Amigos de Westfield was an exquisite success.
“Westfield welcomes everybody, we have a large Latino population and Amigos de Westfield is just another way to [celebrate diversity],” Melody Jones, Westfield Parks and Recreation Department director, said.
For three hours, the park transformed into a tasty international experience for residents. The live music from various Latin singing groups and the aroma of authentic food from Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and Venezuela overwhelmed the park.
There were also children’s activities from face painting to piñatas.
Westfield resident Phil Daubenmiri came with his wife and children to experience Latino culture.
“You don’t know what to expect, but [Amigos de Westfield] had a real positive turnout,” he said.
Daubenmiri said his family enjoyed traditional Venezuelan food.
The cultural extravaganza emotionally impacted some of the attendees. Such as Angelina Zunega, a native of Guerrero, Mexico. For Zunega it was hard to hold back tears as she listened to the sound of the acoustic instrumentals resonating throughout the park. “I am so far away from my country but this event brings back so many memories,” said Zunega, who left Guerrero 10 years ago.
The highlight of event was when the Mariachi band asked the attendees to form a dance circle. Once the families gathered the band played traditional songs like “Mariachi Loco” and “La Bamaba.”
Designated translators of the event like Felipe Ortiz believe this celebration is significant for Westfield because, “The city gets to know more about the Latino culture which makes for better communication so that we help each other mutually to make Westfield great.”
