Un Pedacito Del Salvador En Alexandria
By Carla Branch
alexandrianews.org
El Salvadorians gather to celebrate their heritige at the Chirilagua-Arlandria Festival in Alexandria. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
While technically no longer held in the Chirilagua neighborhood of Alexandria, Sunday’s Chirilagua Festival drew crowds of fun-loving natives and visitors.
The festival has outgrown the northern end of Mount Vernon Avenue, where it began. This year, it was moved to Commonwealth Avenue and Four Mile Run Park near the Cora Kelly Recreation Center. For $10, festival-goers got to browse stands with jewelry, t-shirts, clothing and other goods made by local and other craftspersons. Then, there was the food: carne asada, pupusas, yucca and platanos, to name a few of the delicacies that were offered. Live music was also plentiful, featuring Latin bands from around the metro area. For young and old alike, there were games of chance with tempting prizes. And, of course, there was a carnival with rides such as a ferris wheel and much more.
On a more serious note, but in keeping with the fun of the day, Alexandria agencies were there to offer information about the bilingual services they provide. There were also insurance companies and banks who were reaching out to the growing number of Latino residents in and around Alexandria. Everyone declared this year’s Chirilagua Festival a success.
