5th annual Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival set for October 24, rooftop after-party announced

The free festival will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Cherry Street Plaza, featuring Hispanic-owned businesses, live entertainment, children's activities and community resources.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The fifth annual Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival returns Saturday, October 24, bringing an afternoon of food, music, cultural celebrations and family-friendly activities to downtown Macon.

The free festival will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Cherry Street Plaza, featuring Hispanic-owned businesses, live entertainment, children’s activities and community resources.

Festival organizer Edna Ruiz-Adams joined 41 Today to discuss this year’s event and the importance of celebrating the diverse Hispanic cultures represented throughout Middle Georgia.

“We’ve got people from all over the place here in Middle Georgia, in the Macon area,” Ruiz-Adams said.

Although Hispanic Heritage Month ended October 15, Ruiz-Adams said the festival provides another opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture while bringing the community together.

She said that the event is open to everyone, regardless of cultural background.

Attendees will have opportunities to shop from Hispanic-owned vendors, enjoy food, listen to live music and experience cultural entertainment.

The festival will also feature a main stage with entertainment, two children’s activity stations and areas for adults offering beverages, including margaritas and mojitos.

Ruiz-Adams said sponsors play an important role in making the event accessible to the community.

The festival is organized by a nine-member volunteer committee representing different cultural backgrounds, including Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras and Mexico.

While the event receives support from Macon-Bibb County, Ruiz-Adams said it is not funded by the county. Instead, sponsorships help cover entertainment, staging and event logistics while allowing vendors to participate without paying registration fees.

Several organizations and businesses will also be on-site to connect with attendees.

This year’s festival will also feature commemorative T-shirts displaying the phrase “De aquí y de allá,” which translates to “From here and from there.”

Ruiz-Adams said the phrase represents the different backgrounds and cultures that make up the Hispanic community in Middle Georgia.

In addition to Saturday’s festival, Ruiz-Adams announced an after-party at Hotel 45 in downtown Macon.

The celebration will continue at Hightales Rooftop Bar beginning at 8 p.m., giving attendees another opportunity to gather after the festival concludes.

Ruiz-Adams encouraged people from all backgrounds to attend, support local Hispanic-owned businesses and experience the cultures represented throughout Middle Georgia.