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By Michelle Grisales
Patchogue Theatre came alive with music, dance, and vibrant cultural displays this past weekend during Latino Leadership Connect’s seventh annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
The Saturday night event kicked off with local businesses lining the theatre lobby, including Liga Da Justicia, Fidelis Care and Contour Mortgage. Guests also enjoyed a flower-adorned photo booth with bright lights for professional snapshots before heading into the main show.
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Anthony Fernandez, creator of the media company From the Neighborhood, emceed the evening and introduced the members of the Latino Leadership Connect Committee. He also encouraged attendees to embrace and celebrate their culture.
“We are not just people passing by, you’re leaving your footprint. You’re making that connection with the next generation,” Fernandez said.
The performances began with a high-energy set by Eclipse Entertainment. Dancers in intricate masks and LED-lit robes joined a drummer with a giant human headpiece and a female dancer glowing from head to skirt. They moved to a mix of dembow, reggaetón, and Latin trap hits by artists like Bad Bunny and El Alfa.
Audience members, balloons in hand, jumped to their feet and joined in the celebration as the performers danced through the aisles.
Later in the evening, Latino Leadership Connect honored community members who support and uplift Patchogue’s Hispanic population.
The show continued with traditional performances of salsa, flamenco, and cumbia, featuring colorful costumes and accessories that kept the crowd on its feet until the final number.
Photos
Photos by Michelle Grisales
Michelle Grisales is a reporter with the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
