Festival directors Greydis Montero Liranza, left, and Lisa Kohunui strike a pose. Photo / Stephen Parker
The New Zealand Cuban Festival kicked off the community week with more than 100 people joining the party at Eat Streat on Saturday night.
According to the festival's artistic director Greydis Montero Liranza the night was a "huge success."
"It was absolutely fantastic and exciting to see the support of
the community. It was so beautiful to see the locals embracing the Cuban culture and getting involved in the festival, they really felt the rhythm and the heat of the music. It was beautiful to watch," she said.
"We had kids dancing with their mamas, and seniors too. Everyone came together and embraced the dancing. They danced until late and were asking for more. People were joining in the group dances without knowing the steps, they were just getting in there."
This is the second year the festival trust is holding the community week - from Saturday, February 28 to Saturday, March 7. This week-long pre-festival event also has free activities to give locals an opportunity to see performances and join classes at the City Focus, the Arts Village, the Night Markets and at Eat Street.
