¡Fiesta time !

It’s time for a fiesta! The Lopez Community Center is hosting Ballet Folklórico Monarca de Friday Harbor on Sunday, June 1 beginning at 5 p.m.

What began as a dance concert by the dance troupe Ballet Folklórico from Friday Harbor, has grown into a fiesta that includes a dance performance, traditional foods, piñatas and a public dance.

“The mission of the Lopez Center is to serve the community,” says Richard Sorenson, executive director of the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts. “The Hispanic community has been under represented and under served. This is an opportunity to come together for a community party to celebrate the Hispanic community and culture, and to connect with island residents.”

Founded by Maria Chavez and Salvador Garcia in 2004, Ballet Folklórico first performed for St. Francis Catholic Church in Friday Harbor and at the Festival of Trees at Christmastime. The troupe is a perennial favorite on the San Juan County Fair’s entertainment stage each August.

“We all love to dance and perform for our community,” said Chavez. “It is such a great thing for us to share part of our culture with everyone.” The group performs different dances from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Veracruz, Michoacán and Nayarit.

On the fiesta dinner menu are traditional Mexican tacos, vegetarian tamales, pesole (hominy) with chicken and pork and traditional non-alcoholic beverages. “It’s an absolute feast being coordinated by Eduardo Rendón,” said Sorenson.

The family-friendly event includes a piñata party for the kids and music for dancing after the performance. The party begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children or $25 for families. Tickets are available online at www.lopezcenter.com and from Paper Scissors on the Rock, Blossoms Organic Grocery, Islehaven Books and Islandale Southender or at the door the day of the event.

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