by Paul Bass The New Haven independent
New Haven’s leading Latino-focused nonprofit and reborn natural history museum are throwing a party — and everyone’s invited.
Three parties, actually.
The party is called Fiesta Latina. Junta for Progressive Action threw it every year until Covid-19 hit. Peabody Museum joined in, inviting people into the Whitney Avenue dinosaur dwelling for music, food, lectures, and schmoozing.
The two have reunited to revive the Fiesta after a six-year hiatus. It will build over three separate dates:
• It will begin on Wednesday Sept. 24, with a “friend-raising” post-work gala/cocktail two-hour gathering at the Peabody (tickets are $85) featuring music, dancing, and “high-level network.” (Click here for more information.)
• On Saturday Sept. 27, Junta will throw a free block party on Bright Street (off Grand Avenue in Fair Haven) from noon to 5 with live music, dance, food, and activities for kids.
• The culmination comes Sunday back at the Peabody, with all-day “curated exhibits, youth performances, young scientists meeting young kids, ornithological displays from Latin America, and music.”
Frederic Depourcq, who runs Junta, and Peabody Director of Education Andrea Motto previewed the renewed event — and discussed the latest developments at their respective institutions — during a conversation Thursday on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.”
“I’s all about community, especially in these times, where the Hispanic community, and the immigrant community in general, is in the crosshairs of the administration,” Depourcq said.
Click on the below video to watch the full conversation with Frederic Depourcq and Andrea Motto on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.” Click here to subscribe or here to listen to other episodes of “Dateline New Haven.”