I’m co-hosting Somos Puro Love, a celebration of Latino culture, in South Tucson on May 9

Liliana López Ruelas has wanted to throw a celebration of Latino culture for as long as I’ve known her — and now it’s finally happening. The first time we mapped out the party together, she said, “I feel like this is my quinceañera.” 😭

Liliana is the founder of Somos Tucson, a Spanish-language news outlet that she founded last year. Together, we’re organizing Somos Puro Love Fiesta Latina, a street party to celebrate Latino culture and community. This is a fiesta for Latinos, our Spanish-speaking community and anyone else who loves and supports Tucson’s culture and people.

Somos Puro Love will take place from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 9 along a strip of 28th Street near Fourth Avenue in South Tucson. That’s right by Galeria Mitotera, 1802 S. Fourth Ave., who we’re also collaborating with. A big shoutout goes to our sponsors, too: Visit Tucson, REA Media Group, La Estrella Bakery, Pima County, Bustos Media, Di Luna Candles and Carnitas Los Reyes.

The party features a lineup of Latino-owned businesses alongside free activities. Here’s what to expect:

• 16 local vendors who will have baked goods, jewelry, cosmetics, apparel, candles and more.
• Six food and drink trucks who will have empanadas, tacos, raspados, acai bowls and non-alcoholic beverages.
• We’ll have a water station thanks to Humane Borders. Bring your own reusable bottle! And thanks to Tucson Water, we’ll have cans of free sparkling water too.
• Music from Duo Libre and DJ Tito Suavecito. Duo Libre will perform from 7-8 p.m. DJ Tito Suavecito will be on from 6-7 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.
• Face painting from D Gabis Face Painting.
• Free to-go bags of craft supplies from Corazón Collective.
• A food drive supporting South Tucson CO. Please bring something to support them! They’re in need of canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, coffee grounds, packaged pastas, canned fruits and veggies, cereal, pancake mix, rice, beans, boxed juices, granola bars, cardboard boxes and packing tape.
• Extended hours for shopping at Galeria Mitotera.
• An appearance by The Book Boutique, a bookmobile with romance books.
• Free books for kids from Pima County Public Library’s Nuestras Raíces Committee.
• A free photo booth by Light Haus.
• A table filled with health and wellness information, plus other resources.
• Free-to-play lotería with raffle prizes.

Beyond the businesses listed above, here’s who to expect:

• 1989 Bake House — Baked goods like cookies and brownies.
• Acai Paradise — Acai and fruit bowls, plus juices.
• Adela Artisan — Purses and other accessories made by artisans in Mexico.
• AZ Monarca Artesanía Mexicana — Hair accessories, shoes and other wearable art from Oaxaca.
• Bar La Pachanga — Mobile alcohol-free bar.
• Beads Over Diamonds — Beaded jewelry.
• Danny’s Keto Bakery & Treats — Baked goods like cakes and cupcakes.
• Delicias De Michoacan — Raspados and antojitos.
• Dirty T Tamarindo — Chamoy-coated candy.
• Emiliaxocosmetics — Cosmetics like lipgloss and eyeshadows.
• Empanadas El Dominicano — Dominican food like empanadas and chuleta.
• Enjoy Crochet and Knit — Crocheted plushies.
• Ivy’s Art — Desert-inspired watercolor paintings.
• Las Changuis Tianguis — Apparel and accessories inspired by Latino culture.
• Lila Art — Hand-painted and embossed coasters, pots and other home decor.
• Los Poblanitos Cuisine — Food from Puebla, including tacos and tamales.
• Mi Casita Press — Apparel and paper goods to amplify underrepresented voices.
• Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen — Cuban cuisine including empanadas and cassava balls.
• Rustic Cottage by Valeria — Soaps, body butters and lotions.
• Soaps & Candles by Aris — Soaps and skincare like beard oil and sugar scrubs.
• Taco Bout Crafting — Polymer clay earrings.
• With Love by Priss — Themed candles with decorative tops.

The party is FREE to attend. Street parking in the area is free.

See you on May 9! ❤️