HoLa Hora Latina

HoLa Hora Latina was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1992 and is the oldest grassroots Latino non-profit organization in East Tennessee. Chartered in 2003, it is now a 501(c)(3) charity. The mission of HoLa Hora Latina is to promote unity in the community by creating art, cultural and communication bridges between the greater Knoxville and Latino communities and by encouraging education, participation and leadership. HoLa Hora Latina has contributed to the cultural life in the Knoxville area through its various cultural and educational programs. Primarily known for the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, the HoLa Festival, HoLa Hora Latina also organizes the Casa HoLa Art Gallery and Artisan Shop featuring local and/or Latino artists and makers. New exhibits each month are accompanied by free art activities for children and hot tamales at Casa HoLa inside the Emporium for the Arts in the heart of Knoxville's arts district. The HoLa Festival is attended by more than 25,000 festival goers kicking off with a Saturday night, Fiesta Latina, of live music, dancing, food, drinks, and fireworks. Sunday the celebration continues with food, music, dance, cultural events, a Parade of Nations and endless activities promoting the culture of all Hispanic countries and their influences in the United States. HoLa Hora Latina is composed of paid intern students and many volunteers who devote their knowledge of art and culture towards excellence in the organization. The Board of Directors is mainly comprised of members of the local Latino community who serve as educators to students across East Tennessee.