Hola Festival comes to downtown Youngstown, Ohio after decade-long hiatus for Hispanic Heritage Month

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The weather on Saturday was perfect for the return of a festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Hola Fest started off with a parade that kicked off at noon, running into Wean Park where the event was held.

It’s been close to a decade since there’s been a celebration for Latinos and Hispanics in the downtown area.

About 40 different vendors sold food, jewelry, clothing and unique crafts. There was dancing, music, face painting and activities for the kids.

“Especially having an event in downtown Youngstown, we’ve got support from the city and the Community Foundation, our title sponsor. So, I think it’s just a great way to bring a lot of Hispanic people together,” said David Labra, a spokesperson for Hola Fest.

“It’s not just considered ‘Mexican’ or ‘Puerto Rican’ — it’s Latin. It’s combinations of all Latin countries, and we are such a culture of happy music, food, that it’s easy to make a friend. It’s easy to approach people in our culture,” said Claudia Zacharko, owner of Piccadilly Parlour.

There was also a pageant to name a HOLA Fest queen and princess.