LAOPE president praises mariachi, food and 61-year Fiesta during Holland City meeting
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Summary
Abraham Roe, board president of LAOPE Latin American GI for progress, said the organization's Fiesta showcases mariachi music, traditional dress and food and has run for more than 61 years; his remarks were made during public comment and no formal action was recorded.
Abraham Roe, board president of LAOPE Latin American GI for progress, told a Holland City meeting that the organization's long-running Fiesta highlights mariachi music, traditional dress and food and has run for more than 61 years.
Roe said the event advances LAOPE's mission to empower Latino residents through advocacy, education and celebration. "Fiesta is a celebration of our community," he said, calling the event "one of our pillars." Roe added that mariachi music and traditional wardrobe are central to the festival's appeal.
"Mariachi is huge for our culture," Roe said, and he described elements attendees notice most: the musicians' suits and sombreros, the variety of instruments and the food, particularly tacos. He said Fiesta draws people together for live music, dancing and shared cultural traditions.
Roe identified LAOPE as one of the oldest nonprofit organizations serving Michigan's Latino community and framed Fiesta as an expression of inclusion and belonging. The remarks appeared during the meeting's public comment period; the transcript records no formal motion, council vote or staff direction connected to the comments.