For 12 years, Athens Latin has been a staple in the local community, presenting events centered on various aspects of Latinx culture, from music to food to dance and beyond. Gabriel Quintanilla, the group’s CEO, says the organization has made the Latinx community feel more welcome and supported in Athens, as well as exposing people from all backgrounds to new cultural traditions.

Throughout the year, Athens Latin puts together “100% Latin music parties” at places like Iron Factory, Hendershot’s, The Foundry, Jerzees and the Georgia Theatre featuring local Latin DJs, plus others from Atlanta and surrounding cities. Local and out-of-town bands also perform regularly, playing everything from salsa to bachata to rock en español, with dance performances serving as another major part of the shows.

Each year since 2015, Athens Latin has hosted an official AthFest showcase, with this year’s event taking place Saturday, June 22 at The Foundry. Atlanta group Orquesta MaCuba will headline, performing many styles of Latin music, including bachata, merengue, reggaeton and more. Also performing is local DJ Harold G, spinning a wide variety of music.

“Athens Latin’s events promote socializing and the interaction of different cultures,” Quintanilla says. “My favorite thing is to see people from a wide variety of different cultures happy, enjoying and interacting with one another.”