South Florida, especially the city of Miami, is known for its considerable Hispanic population. It is no wonder, then, that the city has hosted the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival for many years now. The Florida Festival is a celebration of the Hispanic community and their many contributions to South Florida's culture and economy. It is also a place to teach non-Hispanics about Latin traditions and folklore. Since the first event in 1973, the community and Festival have grown significantly. From August 1st until November 30th, the festival will mark another year of celebration and education.

Every year, the event kicks off with Tapas. Tapas is a reception that features traditional Spanish and Latin American food. Several Miami restaurants are invited to provide the food for the reception. Elected officials, and community leaders will be on hand to enjoy the reception and the festive atmosphere it will offer. There will also be performances by top Hispanic and Latin American performers.

Another event is the annual Gala Ball. The Ball, which features gourmet food and an orchestra, is also a fund-raiser. All proceeds go to benefit the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fundation "Don Quixote Award", recognizing an outstanding member of the community, is also presented there. Another event participants look forward to is the Miss Hispanidad Pagent. Each year, women ages 16-25 compete for scholarships, trips and prizes. Each contestant is judged on beauty, poise, personality, as well as bathing suit and evening gown competitions.

The Hispanic Heritage Festival also conducts a golf tournament. Business and Community leaders compete in this benefit for the scholarship fundation. Other tournaments include the Domino Tournament. Only 128 people are allowed to register individually or as a team of two. Each day, points are awarded and winners receive cash prizes.

That is not all there is to the Festival, though. Awards are a large part of it. The Leadership award, given to people 40 and under, recognizes people who have achieved career success and done good for the community. The Legacy of Excellence Awards honor families who have done the same. There is also an essay contest and the Scholarship Fundation, which allow students who otherwise not be able to pursue an education.

Discovery of America day is an outdoor festival featuring great Latin entertainment and food as well as children's attractions and arts and crafts. Another eventthat the artistically gifted will love is the Poster contest. Every year, amateur and professional artists are allowed to sign up to create original works that celebrate the spirit of the Festival. members of the Advertising Federation of Greater Miami, art critics and museum directors will be on hand to pick the best entries based on creativity, technique and visual impact. All entries must be original work and can not have been published or displayed anywhere else.

For a complete list of events, dates and times as they become available please visit www.hispanicfestival.com. You can also e-mail info@hispanicfestival.com.