Fiesta time in downtown Ocala

File photo

“Prepara la fecha, Latinos!” That’s Spanish, in so many words, for “Get ready to party!” and it’s the tagline for Festival Latino-Downtown Ocala, which will take over the downtown area from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. 

The event will be headquartered at Citizens’ Circle on Southeast Osceola Avenue and will pay tribute to different Latin American cultures with food and music from Orlando acts Plena de Barrio, Mariachi America Canta, percussion ensemble Grupo Kon Clase and Ocala-based DJ Joe Ortiz. 

Food trucks Mr. Fry Guy, Taqueria Taco Rico, El Preferido, El Punto Food Truck and Chinchorrear Es La Que Hay will be serving Mexican and Caribbean-inspired foods. Kids’ activities add to the fun. 

Participating vendors include the College of Central Florida, Bravo Supermarkets Ocala, PNC Bank, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, Asociación de Artesanos y Artistas Plásticos en Florida Central, the Association of Puerto Rican Handicraftsmen and Plastic Artists of Central Florida, Baked & Co (popular for its baked goods at the Downtown Market every Saturday) and Jireh Salon. 

“Ocala and Marion County are growing every year,” said DJ and event organizer Ortiz, founder of PartyMix productions. 

According to Census statistics, around 16 percent of Marion County is composed of Hispanic residents. 

“This growing number made me realize how important it is to celebrate Latin culture,” Oritz said. “We are a diverse group of people, but can all relate to our love for music, food and community.” 

For more information, email partymixproductions1@gmail.com.