Returning for an 11th year, Carnaval del Sol, the Pacific Northwest’s largest Latin-themed festival, takes over Concord Pacific Place, Saturday, July 6th and Sunday, July 7th.
A celebration of the diversity and dynamism of Latin American culture, Carnaval del Sol features a vast array of music, dance, visual arts, fashion, sports, plus food and drink. Concord Pacific Place will be transformed to resemble a vibrant urban Latin American plaza, brimming with sound, colour, tempting aromas, and thousands of smiling faces.
Presented by Latincouver, a non-profit organization working to bring together Latin Americans and those who appreciates Latin culture. “All of us at Latincouver are thrilled to be bringing back Carnaval del Sol for its 11th consecutive year,” says Latincouver’s executive director, Paola Murillo. “This is the time of the year where you’ll feel the vast and exciting Latin American culture right here in Vancouver. We look forward to celebrating with you!”
photo: Marcos Badra
The 2019 edition of this family-friendly event finds more than 450 artists, who have come from around the world to entertain the masses at the Carnaval’s main stage and plazas, celebrating the festival’s 2019 theme “Sharing our Indigenous and Afro-Latin American roots. Let’s shine together.”
Plaza highlights include the following:
- TIM HORTONS KIDS PLAZA: Hands-on creative activities for youngsters, including face painting, storytelling, games and music.
- ARTS PLAZA: From sculpture and fashion to photography and handicrafts (including “live” painting, often accompanied by music), browse hundreds of brilliant artworks from talented Latin American artists.
- YVR TRAVEL PLAZA: Vancouver International Airport brings you dance, music, games and prizes.
- EXPERIENCES PLAZA: Witness authentic Latin American fare created before your eyes at a variety of live cooking demos
- DRIFTWOOD BEER PLAZA: From noon to 9pm, unwind while enjoying delicious food and live music in this 1,000 seat, adults-only zone.
- FOOD PLAZA: Some of British Columbia’s best Latin American restaurants and food trucks bring the flavours of Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, El Salvador, and Cuba.
- FAMILY PLAZA: All ages will be captivated by live music and DJs, an exclusive fashion show, and much more to be announced.
- JOSE CUERVO LOUNGE PLAZA: An exclusive area for SuperPass holders, media, artists, and government officials.
Carnaval Del Sol takes place at Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. Gates open 11am to 10pm.
Admission is $2 per adult (free admission for kids under 12). The $15 two-day SuperPass offers admittance to the Jose Cuervo Lounge Plaza, front-of-the-line access to the Driftwood Beer Plaza, festival souvenirs, discounts on select vendors, and more.
Find details and tickets at carnavaldelsol.ca
Starting off at Bean Around The World at Lonsdale Quay Market, Tasting Platers collected their Tasting Plates cards and map, and sat down for a tasting cup of drip or espresso based coffees. Armed with our Americano we set out on a flavorful journey around North Van.
The tasting plate that two-week old Lift Breakfast Bakery, 101 Lonsdale Avenue served was a perfect teaser of the sweet and savoury tastes we’ll find at Lift. Breakfast for dinner is always a favourite.
Exploration of the neighbourhood meets exploration of the world’s flavours at Maru Korean Bistro, 125 2nd St E, a plate as pretty as it was flavourful.
Just down the street The Juicery Co 254 1st St E cleansed us with a tasting cups of The Greenest (Kale, Collards, Watercress, Cucumber, Cilantro, Dandelion, Lemon, Ginger) and Honey & Vanilla Almond Milk. For something substantial but light a small cup of Acai Bowl creamy and smooth, with a crunchy topping of The Juicery Co‘s signature housemade granola
Who doesn’t love some chocolate, Coconama Chocolate Shop and Factory 2568 1st St E, has plenty. Artisan handmade Japanese-style truffles, were rich and creamy, with a wide variety of flavours.
Even though it’s only been open 7 weeks, Welcome Parlour Ice Cream, 277 8th St E, has a century of history behind it. Housed in a building owned by the original owner of Welcome Parlor, a 1910 ice cream, candy and smoke shop on Lonsdale Ave, this renewed version is serving a selection of nostalgic and modern candy treats alongside their rich and creamy natural churned ice cream blends (plus a couple of non-dairy coconut milk based creams)
Last but not least, Hearthstone Brewery and Restaurant 1015 Marine Drive, combines the brewery with their recently opened Forno to bring mediterranean flavours to the imbibers.
The Northwest Cider Association’s (NWCA) third annual BC Cider Week gets underway from tomorrow, April 28th until May 7th. The ten-day celebration of the art of craft cider includes cider-centric events, tastings and festivities throughout the province.
April 30th: SeaCider is bringing back their popular Cider Social in Saanichton.
Grabbing a seat at 
However, a pub cannot survive on it’s views, the food and service needs to keep up. The Blackfin Pub lives up to the bill, you can tell by the steady stream of patrons that the food has to be good. From traditional share plates to local fresh seafood entrees that wouldn’t be amiss on a fine dining menu, Chef Nigel McMeans has created a menu for everyone (including gluten free options). In all the times I’ve visited over the years, it’s always been a good time with good food and drinks. Add in the stunning views of a sunny afternoon or an evening by the fire with friends and the Blackfin Pub is the place to be when in Comox
