Somos Uno! Mount Kisco's Hispanic Heritage Festival celebrates culture and community

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - Mount Kisco’s recent Hispanic Heritage Festival was a celebration of culture and community.

The theme?  “Somos Uno” – We are One.

There was music, food, family fun, trivia contests, and dancing. Lots of dancing.

Energetically entertaining in colorful attire such as embroidered pollero skirts, ponchos, alpaca pants, elaborate masks, and woven hats were Sumak Taki Llakta, an Ecuadorian folkloric dance ensemble, and the Honduran Central American Dance Group.

The well-attended event was held in Fountain Park on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Speakers included the inspiring Alfredo “Freddie” de los Santos, who is a Paralympian, wounded veteran, and former U.S. Army staff sergeant from Hopewell Junction; Lorena Curipoma of Lorena’s Juice Bar in Mount Kisco, who spoke about her journey to becoming a business owner; and Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, who noted that the village is marking it’s 150th anniversary this year.

“We’re very proud to bring to the celebration, the Hispanic-Latino community,” he said, pointing out that the event, now in its second year, was organized by Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora and Trustee Angie Garcia-Guerra.

The DJ was DJ Hefe, aka Hugo Pasato, a Peekskill resident of Ecuadorian descent.

Hungry folks lined up for Peruvian street eats provided by Latusion of Port Chester and Artesano of White Plains, which served up Argentinian-style baked empanadas.

Other vendors included: Wuilmer Lopez of Monarca in Mount Kisco; Annarella Hernandez of Matanzas of Hartsdale; Ladys Guerrero-Williams of Simple Motive Brewing in Yonkers; Stephanie Chavez of Steph’s Sweet Creations in Port Chester; and Marie Claire Sotomayor of Sparkle Clay Boutique.

Community groups (and a business) representing at the fest were: Northwell -- Northern Westchester Hospital, Neighbors Link, Mount Kisco Food Pantry, Mount Kisco Historical Society, the U.S. Federal Chaplains Agency, and Rivera Toyota, which was also a sponsor.

Additional sponsors were ROAMFurther Athletics of Mount Kisco, ShopRite, Michael’s Garden Gate Nursery of Mount Kisco, Village Manager Ed Brancati, Flora, and Garcia-Guerra.