SoKY’s Choice: Community celebrates Hispanic Heritage at Barren County YMCA

GLASGOW, Ky. – The Barren County YMCA was filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin America on Sunday as families gathered for the third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.

The event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., invited the community to celebrate Hispanic culture through food, music, and family activities. Local vendors offered authentic dishes such as tamales, pupusas, ceviche, and aguas frescas, while children enjoyed face painting, crafts, and games.

Organizers say the festival continues to grow every year, drawing both longtime residents and new visitors eager to experience different cultures.

“It brings us all out together,” said Maria Torres, owner of La Nacional in Glasgow. “For some reason, we’ve not been able to communicate, but this gives us the opportunity to promote ourselves and have a good time, bring the family together and just spend quality time.”

For many, the day was about more than food or entertainment; it was about connection.

Mariel Casian, a member and HR director at the Barren County YMCA, said the goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome. “We want people to experience the richness of Hispanic culture right here in Glasgow,” she said. “This event brings people together in a really meaningful way.”

Vendors lined the YMCA lawn, offering handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and family recipes passed down through generations.

Martha, one of the vendors, said sharing food from her Salvadoran heritage was deeply personal. “We’re here representing El Salvador, selling pupusas, corn tortillas filled with beans, cheese, or pork,” she said. “I love this festival because it lets everyone try foods from different countries and learn more about our cultures.”

Attendees say the atmosphere was filled with warmth and unity, a reminder of how culture can bring a community closer.

“It’s very special because we don’t get to celebrate events like this often,” said Evelyn, who attended with her family. “It brings everyone together, and we just all get to have a little bit of fun.”

As music filled the air and families shared meals, organizers say they hope to continue the festival for years to come, expanding on the diversity that makes Glasgow unique.

“This event grows every single year,” Torres said. “It’s worth all the work when you see everyone together, smiling and enjoying the day.”