“¿Qué Pasa?” Festival to Spice Up Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk on Cinco de Mayo

A new festival experience is coming to Virginia with “¿Qué Pasa?”, which will bring Latin culture and passion to the historic Canal Walk in downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Design District on Cinco de Mayo.

On Saturday, May 5th, Richmond’s Canal Walk will undergo a community-based transformation to resemble the famous Floating Gardens of Xochimilco for “¿Qué Pasa?,” beginning at 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. Richmond’s own Floating Garden boats will offer free boat rides throughout the festival. Bursts of live latin music and performances along the Canal Walk will energize the thousands expected to come to enjoy scrumptious Latin-flavored food, beverages and dazzling arts and crafts during the 150th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo celebrated in a “¿Qué Pasa?” style. The festival hopes to further economic and tourist development to Richmond’s riverfront by casting this one-of-a-kind aesthetic spotlight on the Canal Walk.

“¿Qué Pasa?”, organized by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC) –with the help of Venture Richmond and Mayor Dwight Jones— will highlight the state’s diversity on Cinco de Mayo. “Richmond and Virginia have increasing international influence and presence. The “¿Qué Pasa?” festival will showcase the vibrant Latin American aspect of this growth across the Commonwealth,” said Michel Zajur, Founder of the VAHCC.

Since the first “¿Qué Pasa?” festival ten years ago, Virginia’s Hispanic population has nearly doubled to 633,945, according to the 2010 US Census. “One of the goals of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to build economic bridges between the Latino community and the community-at-large,” says Zajur. “‘¿Qué Pasa?’ allows everyone the chance to experience Latin American culture right here in Virginia.”

Schools across the state will get into the festive spirit with educational competitions encouraging students to expand their knowledge of international culture and show off their creativity.

For participation and sponsorship, visit www.quepasafestival.com or call the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at (804) 378-4099.