Salsa y Salsas this weekend

Amigos will need plenty of agua to cool down from the spicy picante sauce and hot traditional dancing at this year's Salsa y Salsas! Festival on Sunday.

"It's a family atmosphere with a lot of music, food and entertainment," said Raquel Knecht, director of Nevada Hispanic Services in Carson City. "It should be a lot of fun."

The festival is in its seventh year and will feature artists, live music, folkloric dancers, food vendors and contests in both salsa dancing and salsa tasting.

It is held every September in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and has drawn crowds of up to 6,000 people.

"We've had really good turnouts and really positive responses," Knecht said. "I expect we'll have another good one."

The festival celebrates Hispanic culture but welcomes people of all races and ethnicity.

"We're all a part of this diverse community," Knecht said. "The Hispanic culture has something positive to offer and we want to be a part of the whole community."

And she encourages members of the Latino community to attend.

"It's a pride that we should all have in our heritage," she said. "We can show off our music and good food."

A Latin DJ will spin tunes for the Salsa dance competition for participants of all ages. Both the Ballet Folklorico Internacional and the Latin Energy Dancers will perform.

Mariachi music will be performed by Lety La Voz y Los Casadores de Nevada and the Mariachi Plata.

Local singing talents Rosella and Karla Nunez will also perform.

IF YOU GO

What: Seventh annual Salsa Y Salsas! Festival

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Legislative Plaza on Carson Street

Information: 885-1055