Costumes, cuisine, and community were all on display at Latinos Salud’s 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar. The event went down Oct. 17 at their Wilton Manors headquarters.

More than a dozen countries from the Caribbean, Central, and South America were represented, with food made by staff, volunteers, and members. That kind of love and care adds a layer of authenticity to the event. Executive Director Stephen Fallon says that authenticity translates to their care.

“You are eating a metaphor,” he said during opening remarks. “The same way the Latinos Salud staff made this food for you, that’s the way we run the clinic inside. When you think of a clinic that has you in a waiting room that closes the door behind you, makes you sit, doesn’t address you by name, doesn’t remember you, doesn’t look you in the eye ... that’s the Chipotle of clinics. We are the food bazaar of community health care.”

Leila Cox hosted the night, introducing performers and keeping the rapt audience in the palm of her hand. The countries competed for the best food, costumes and decorations. Colombia won best food, while Venezuela swept the other categories.

While many cultures were on display, they combined to create one strong community.

“There are people in America right now that say if you’re proud of the slice of the world you represent, whether it’s a race, ethnicity, orientation, they say it’s offensive for you to have pride in who you are,” Fallon told OutSFL. “I say, why can’t we all be proud of each group? It doesn’t mean I’m uncelebrating someone else.”

The night was also a chance for Fallon and his team to celebrate their scholarship recipients. Now in its third year, Latinos Salud’s Health and Support Services Pride Scholarship helped a record eight students, including three pursuing postgraduate degrees.

While the committee welcomes scholars from all fields, Fallon says some career paths stand out.

“If you’re going into nursing, psychology, public health, or social work those are things we see directly feeding back to the community we serve.”

Another key criterion is empathy.

“They want to hear their story and for applicants to see beyond their own story. How have they been impacted? Can you expand to empathize with others who may have had a more difficult path than yours and still help them too.”

Photo by JR Davis.