From Ocracoke Alive

The third annual Festival Latino de Ocracoke will take place on Ocracoke Island, NC, the second weekend of November, from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11. Produced by the island non-profit, Ocracoke Alive, in partnership with Ocracoke’s vibrant Latino community, the festival will feature music, ballet folklorico dances, incredible food, games and more.

“We are proud of the cultural bridges that our small community has built between the Latino families and other island residents,” said Ocracoke Alive director David Tweedie. “Our love and appreciation of each other makes our isolated island a unique, welcoming place to live and visit for folks from all walks of life.”

Latino Festival director, Freddy Contreras agrees that this colorful event reflects a very special relationship. “The Latino community has become a fundamental part of Ocracoke Island over the past 20 years. We believe that it is very important to come together, celebrate, and keep building more bridges for ourselves and for our future generations,” explained Contreras. “We need to unify rather than divide.”

The festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 9, with a musical concert with Angeles Diaz at the Ocracoke Community Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Snacks and drinks will also be on hand.

Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the celebration moves to School Road to the grounds of Books to be Red, the United Methodist Church and Ocracoke School with performances by Mariachi Charros de Mexico, Rafaga Norteña, Jimmy Roman & 4 Con Son and Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke. A multitude of traditional Latino delicacies will be on hand for foodies, as well as a Raiguela Tournament and other games for kids of all ages.

Saturday evening, the party moves to the Ocracoke School Gym Auditorium for an early evening concert from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and then on to the Ocracoke Community Center for a Latin community dance with Rafaga Norteña.

The weekend rounds up on Sunday with a basketball tournament at Ocracoke School Gym from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded and food will also be available so you can nibble while cheering on your favorite team. If you would like to compete, contact Daimir 252-945-3231. Proceeds from the Festival Latino de Ocracoke will benefit Ocracoke School and Ocracoke Alive’s programming in the island community.

For general information, visit www.ocracokealive.org or call 252-921- 0260 (English) or 252-588-2242 (Spanish). Ocracoke Island is only accessible by ferry via mainland ferries from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island and an Outer Banks ferry from Hatteras Island to the north. For lodging & travel information visit www.visitocracokenc.com.