Wollongong’s city centre will be transformed into a Spanish fiesta from 6pm for Noche Cultural.

The Crown Street Mall will come alive with music from an array of Spanish-speaking countries from Mexico to the Andes, dancing and salsa lessons, food and piñata workshops for the kids.

The event, simply meaning “cultural evening”, has been organised by the Spanish And Latin American Community Organisation (SALCO) to “showcase” the variety of cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

SALCO spokesperson Bertha Quiros said Noche Cultural was a pilot project with Wollongong City Council and hoped other cultural groups in the Illawarra would follow suit.

“[We hope to] encourage other smaller ethnic communities to do the same, to showcase [their culture] and support each other,” Ms Quiros said.

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She said the end of the week was perfect to encourage people to enjoy a cheap night out while learning about different cultures.

“Our music is very live and very happy,” Ms Quiros said.

“From previous festivals it is the children who get more involved, they love and feel the music ... there’s not a chance the kids will get bored, and the food is fantastic.”

It comes ahead of next week’s Latin American Film Festival, another free event showcasing films from 13 Spanish-speaking countries at Warrawong’s Gala Cinema from September 7 to 10.

Noche Cultural, Crown Street Mall Main Stage, Wollongong, Friday 6pm – 9:30pm. 

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