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Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival

Filed under: Fete Set — katie at 12:52 pm on Thursday, May 8, 2008

Saturday’s weather was perfect for the third annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival Latin American explosion. A warm breeze flowed through The Visitors Center Bus Terminal that was decked out in Mexican flags, piñatas, and sombreros.

Mariachi music got the celebration started on the right note as did the loaded buffets provided by local Mexican, Tex-Mex and Brazilian food vendors. To work off nachos and the Cuervo margaritas that everyone seemed to enjoy, partygoers danced to the old school funky salsa style of Bio Ritmo. The high energy of the piano and Latin congas really got the crowd moving. I even hit the dance floor for a spin.

The “Dancing with the Local Stars” dance competition was the highlight of the evening that featured Brooke Ryan, host of 95SX Two Girls and a Guy Morning Show; Tessa Spencer, host of Z93 Jamz Da Breakfuss Club; and Live 5 News reporters Hatzel Vela and Sheldon Dutes. All four contestants prepared throughout the month of April and brought their “A” game. The most impressive of the night was Tessa Spencer whose technique was almost flawless with the help of her handsome partner Luis Boria. The audience applause decided the winner and Tess and Luis walked (danced) away with the title “Charleston’s Best Salsa Couple.”

CDC, an up-and-coming Latin band based in Charleston, made their debut and closed the show. They reminded me of the group 98 Degrees, but the Latin version. The guys were all attractive and had amazing voices, and really knew how to the work the crowd. I saw a few groupies at the front of the stage singing along to every single song, which by the way were in Spanish. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Trident Literacy Association. The executive director of the Trident Literacy Association, Eileen Chepenik stated, “The Charleston Cinco De Mayo Festival brings important attention to the fact that Charleston is a very diverse city and this is a great opportunity to celebrate the vibrant Hispanic culture.”