Knoxville TN, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville’s HoLa Festival recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing the vibrant arts and culture of Hispanic and Latin American heritage. Held at World’s Fair Park, the festival featured musical performances, dance groups, and a lively Parade of Nations, fostering connections within the community. Presented by HoLa Hora Latina, this event emphasizes the importance of unity and educational initiatives among Hispanic and LatinX communities. The festival is a key highlight during Hispanic Heritage Month, reinforcing the significance of cultural contributions to the region.
Knoxville’s HoLa Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Hispanic Heritage with Vibrant Arts and Culture Event
Knoxville’s HoLa Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary as the largest arts and culture festival in Tennessee dedicated to Hispanic and Latin American heritage. The event took place at World’s Fair Park and featured a wide range of activities celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and LatinX communities. The festival was part of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.
The HoLa Festival, presented by HoLa Hora Latina, the oldest grassroots Latino non-profit organization in East Tennessee, aims to promote unity and create connections between Hispanic/LatinX communities and the broader community through art, culture, education, and leadership. This year’s two-day celebration commenced with sunny weather, though rain began to fall during the evening fireworks show at 9 p.m., which did not diminish the festive atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed a diverse lineup of musical performances, including Melvin Macias’ Sunrise Latin Band and Jimmy Bonilla and his Orchestra. The festival continued into a warm and sunny Sunday, enhanced by a cool breeze, providing a perfect backdrop for the multitude of arts and crafts vendors and authentic food vendors offering multicultural cuisines. Additionally, two stages showcased continuous entertainment, with multiple dance groups performing traditional salsa, folk dances, and even an Aztec dance group, all adorned in vivid and colorful outfits.
On Sunday, the festival featured a vibrant Parade of Nations, celebrating Hispanic and Latino history and culture. The event aligns with a growing Hispanic population in Knoxville, which has seen an increasing number of businesses that celebrate and share their culture. Notable Hispanic-owned businesses in Knoxville include Pastelito Cuban Bakery, Antonella’s Bakery, K-Candles Co., Crochet Société, La Taqueria La Herradura, La Michoacana Movil, and Las Fuentes.
HoLa Hora Latina continues to work on various initiatives aimed at encouraging education, participation, and leadership within the Latino community and among the broader East Tennessee community. The HoLa Festival serves as a vital platform for showcasing the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage while promoting community engagement.
Key Details About the HoLa Festival
- Event Duration: Two-day celebration
- Location: World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
- Started: 25 years ago
- Established: By HoLa Hora Latina
- Activities: Live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, food vendors, and a Parade of Nations
- Weather: Sunny on Saturday, rain during fireworks; sunny and warm on Sunday
Background on Hispanic Heritage Month
The month of Hispanic Heritage is recognized from September 15 to October 15 each year, celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It was established as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.
Impact of HoLa Festival
The festival not only celebrates Hispanic culture but also fosters connections between different cultures within the East Tennessee community. The growth of Hispanic-owned businesses in Knoxville signifies the increasing impact and presence of the Hispanic community within the region.
FAQ
- What is the HoLa Festival?
- The HoLa Festival is the largest arts and culture festival in Tennessee dedicated to Hispanic and Latin American heritage.
- Who presents the HoLa Festival?
- The festival is presented by HoLa Hora Latina, the oldest grassroots Latino non-profit organization in East Tennessee.
- When is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated?
- Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year.
- What activities are included in the HoLa Festival?
- Activities at the HoLa Festival include live music, dance performances, arts and crafts vendors, authentic food vendors, and a Parade of Nations.
Key Features of the HoLa Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Duration | Two-day celebration |
| Location | World’s Fair Park, Knoxville |
| Established | 25 years ago |
| Main Organizer | HoLa Hora Latina |
| Featured Activities | Live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, food vendors, Parade of Nations |
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Quarter Century of Color Scenes from HoLa Festivals 25th Anniversary
- WATE: It is Important to Know Your Roots – Knoxville Celebrates Annual HoLa Festival
- WBIR: Pastelito Cuban Bakery – Flavors of Havana to Tennessee
- UT Daily Beacon: 7 Local Hispanic-Owned Businesses to Support During Hispanic Heritage Month
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Heritage Month
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.
