General Manager of Kajola Kristada, Mr. Jose Rosa, told event sponsors and members of the media on Wednesday morning, (29th August, 2012), during the launch of the event, that the success of the festival can also become a stimulus for the increased flow of visitor traffic to St. Kitts and Nevis, while also increasing economic activity.
He promised those companies that have invested in the festival as sponsors, that in a few years- time, they may begin to reap benefits as it gets more popular, attracting a wider fan base.
Rosa expressed his satisfaction in just how expansive the event has become, especially knowing that it all started from a casual discussion with co-founder, Mr. Roger Brisbane of Spice Mills, when they were thinking of how they could organize a small event to highlight Latin music. Now today, said Rosa, those early discussions have turned into this major activity that is called Latin Fiesta.
He was ecstatic that the festival has grown to such an extent that they have already seen two hugely successful concerts. As the years go by and the event continues to grow, said the chairman of the Organizing Committee, it has now reached the stage where it was necessary to find a new venue this year to accommodate the increased number of patrons who are expected to attend in October.
Rosa said that is why the change of venue from the Spice Mill Restaurant to the Carambola Beach Club was necessary. This he said, would only help to grow the festival as the former venue was deemed too small for this year’s bigger audience.
Also demonstrating support for the event was St. Kitts & Nevis’ Minister of Tourism, Richard Skerritt, who stated that that his ministry is happy to be associated with the event, because they see the economic benefits that can be derived from it.
Event Director, Michelle Demmingsaid the expectations for this year’s festival are much greater, and they are hoping to increase the amount of persons they had last year. She also underscored the importance of the festival as part of the overall national effort to increase the awareness of Latin music and better relations between Latin speaking countries and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis; so that they can understand that there are traditions, music, heritage and culture that can be shared.
As part of their efforts to make the festival bigger, they will embark on a more serious marketing campaign and are targeting not just a local market but also a regional one.
Latin Fiesta is scheduled to take place on Sunday 21st October, at Carambola Beach Club, Friar Bay and is being held as the major event in a weekend of activities dubbed Latin festival, running from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October. A Latin American Movie Presentation is planned for the 18th, while Saturday 20th October will feature the Latin flavour St the St. Kitts Marriott Plaza, with Latin Fusion as the headliner band.
The Ritmo Brazil and Batukealo are the two major acts to perform on the Sunday at Carambola. The festival is being hosted under the theme, “Brazilian’s Carnival”.