Knoxville, Tennessee, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The HoLa Festival in Knoxville celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing Hispanic culture through heritage tables, performances, and community engagement. The festival, organized by HoLa Hora Latina, highlights the importance of unity and the rich traditions of Hispanic communities. With 21 heritage tables, diverse performances, and support for local education, the event serves as a platform for cultural appreciation and community connection.
Knoxville, Tennessee – The annual HoLa Festival, organized by HoLa Hora Latina, celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 27 and 28, 2024, at World’s Fair Park. This festival is a vibrant showcase of Hispanic culture, attracting a diverse audience from the Knoxville community, and highlights the importance of unity through arts and community engagement.
Founded in 1992 by a group of women dedicated to sharing their cultural heritage, HoLa Hora Latina has grown to become the largest grassroots Latino non-profit in East Tennessee. The current president, Pedro Tomas, is also a professor of Spanish at the University of Tennessee (UT) and is dedicated to bridging the gap between the Hispanic community and the broader Knoxville community. He commutes from nearby Pigeon Forge, demonstrating his commitment to the organization’s mission.
The organization is headquartered at Casa HoLa, located on South Gay Street in the Historical Emporium Building. The festival includes 21 heritage tables, showcasing the richness of Hispanic traditions, alongside a variety of arts and crafts, delectable food options, and performances that reflect the diversity of Hispanic cultures. The event relies heavily on collaboration between local sponsors, independent vendors, and the community, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in celebrating cultural heritage.
Hispanic culture has a significant presence in Knoxville, and the festival acts as a platform for individuals of all backgrounds to come together and appreciate this rich cultural tapestry. Amelia Sandoval, a junior at UT studying physics, described the festival as one of her favorite fall events in Knoxville, praising its music and the festive atmosphere that permeates throughout the weekend.
In addition to the festival, HoLa Hora Latina conducts various cultural and educational programs aimed at enriching the local community. The organization also offers the Luis Velázquez scholarship, which supports academically successful students who engage in community work. This initiative not only promotes education but encourages youth to contribute positively to society.
Pedro Tomas emphasized the value of community support, a vital component in the organization’s success, highlighting the shared interests and commonalities that exist within Knoxville. The HoLa Festival continues to foster an inclusive environment where different races and national origins can find common ground and celebrate together.
Key Highlights of the HoLa Festival
- Location: World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Dates: September 27-28, 2024
- 25th Anniversary: Celebrating a quarter-century of Hispanic cultural celebration
- Heritage Tables: 21 tables showcasing diverse Hispanic traditions
- Performances: Variety of cultural performances representing Hispanic communities
- Community Engagement: Collaboration between local sponsors and independent vendors
- Educational Initiatives: Programs and scholarships supporting local students
The HoLa Festival represents more than just a celebration; it embodies the spirit of inclusivity and community support, inviting everyone to embrace and celebrate Hispanic culture while fostering connections among diverse communities.
FAQs about the HoLa Festival
- What is the HoLa Festival?
- The HoLa Festival is an annual event that showcases Hispanic culture and is organized by HoLa Hora Latina.
- When and where does the festival take place?
- This year’s festival took place on September 27 and 28 at World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- What is the significance of the festival’s 25th anniversary?
- The festival marked its 25th anniversary in 2024, celebrating a significant milestone in honoring Hispanic culture.
- Who founded HoLa Hora Latina?
- HoLa Hora Latina was founded in 1992 by a group of women who wanted to share their culture.
- Who is the current president of HoLa Hora Latina?
- Pedro Tomas is the current president of HoLa Hora Latina and also a professor of Spanish at the University of Tennessee (UT).
- What does HoLa Hora Latina aim to achieve?
- The organization aims to promote community unity through arts, culture, education, and leadership.
- What features does the festival include?
- The festival features 21 heritage tables, arts and crafts, food, and various performances that reflect diverse Hispanic cultures.
- How does HoLa Hora Latina support local students?
- The organization offers the Luis Velázquez scholarship for academically successful students who engage in community work.
Key Features of the HoLa Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Dates | September 27-28, 2024 |
| Heritage Tables | 21 tables showcasing diverse Hispanic traditions |
| Performances | Variety of cultural performances representing Hispanic communities |
| Community Engagement | Collaboration between local sponsors and independent vendors |
| Educational Initiatives | Programs and scholarships supporting local students |
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Additional Resources
- UT Daily Beacon: HoLa Festival
- Hola: Ruidosafest
- New York Times: Children’s Film Festival
- Times of India: Holi 2025
- Inside of Knoxville: Roam Fest
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Culture
- Google Search: Hispanic Community Events
- Google Scholar: Hispanic Culture Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic American
- Google News: Hispanic Cultural Events
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
