Festival Atitlán

It’s that time of year again for the Lake Atitlán International Music and Arts Festival

March is coming, time for Festival Atitlán. On March 14, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Santiago Atitlán will once again host this annual alternative cultural event featuring live music and arts. Since 2001, there have been six festivals, each one more interesting than the last. Proceeds from the past four festivals have been donated to help rebuild Hospitalito Atitlán, which was destroyed by mudslides from Hurricane Stan in 2005.

In 2008, the eclectic show kept the crowd dancing for 12 hours straight. The new location and the quality of the new professional stage and sound system (run by Lenin Fernández and crew) inspired the bands to play harder, and the result was remarkable. The crowd is always very pleased with the relaxed ambiance that is a hallmark of Festival Atitlán, and everyone had a great time. The event also raised a nice amount of cash for the Hospitalito Atitlán.

This year an even better show is planned, and bands that have already agreed to play include the entire Brian Howe Electric Band (Ex-Bad Company), Lost Coast Marimbas, Crater, The LeRoy Mack Bluegrass Band, Otis Brown and the Blu Dawgs, Percush, and the Marco Trio Electric. In all, there will be 12 bands.

Additional performers will include La Cambalacha, The Marionettes of Chumbala Cachumbala, and a couple of clowns, who will keep the children entertained. Once again, a gourmet food court will have great food and drinks for all tastes. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

This year has an added bonus: The Kendida Foundation has agreed to match any funds that are raised for the Hospitalito, so the ticket price will go twice as far to help this important cause.

For more information about Festival Atitlán visit www.festivalatitlan.com
For more information about the Hospitalito Atitlán project visit www.puebloapueblo.org/ha.html