Norman residents danced in the streets Sunday to celebrate Hispanic culture.

One block of Webster Street near the Norman Public Library was closed off from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate bands, food stands and dancers from different Hispanic cultures. The third annual event attracted more people this year, with estimates reaching 2,000 attendees by 6 p.m.

The event was created "to welcome people from Spanish-speaking countries to the library, and also to share the Hispanic culture with the citizens of Norman," said Anne Masters, associate director for the Pioneer Library System.

In past years, the event was held only inside the library. Last year's attendance of 1,200 crowded the library, Masters said. The decision to move outdoors gave the event more of a block-party feel.

Activities still filled the inside this year as well, Masters said. Crafts for the kids, an art show and the air conditioning all drew attendees into the library from the September heat.

The Hispanic Heritage Festival began two years ago because the library realized there were many Hispanics in Norman who did not use the it , Masters said.

Norman residents and businesses have embraced the festival. Restaurants donated free chips, salsa and queso for a taste-test contest this year.

"I think really it's just a lot of fun," Masters said.

Many attendees said the festival improved over previous years.

Franz Mutis, graduate construction administration student from Colombia, said the addition of more live music added a lot to the atmosphere.

Mutis showed some of his artwork inside the library. He also performed on the outdoor stage with his musical group, Tierradentro.

"It's a good opportunity to show the different Latin musical genres to the American people," he said.

Americans often think all Hispanics have the same culture, Mutis said. He said he liked the festival because it embraced the very different cultures of Central and South America.

"That's not an idea that a lot of people have here," he said.

Norman has a diverse Hispanic population from Central and South America that makes an event like this more exciting, said Reyna Ross, drummer for Tierradentro.

Karen Elmore, study abroad advisor for Spanish-speaking countries, said she attended the event to watch and mingle with her advisees, as well as enjoy Hispanic culture.

"I really like the cultures and the music," she said.

Kelsey Hudson, University College freshman, came because she likes Hispanic culture.

She had seen two of the musical groups, Tierradentro and Alma Latina, before. She spoke with animation about Alma Latina, which plays at St. Joseph's Catholic Church's Spanish-language mass.

"If you like any type of Hispanic music, they will get you going," Hudson said.

Some attendees danced along with the musical groups. The event also provided salsa dance lessons in the afternoon, and the whole street was packed with dancers, Masters said.

OU students from Kappa Delta Chi, a Hispanic sorority, volunteered at the festival.

Cristina Mora, microbiology senior, said the festival was important for both non-Hispanics and as those of Hispanic heritage.

"We just think it's a good event," she said. "It's helpful to understand other people's cultures because then there is not as much conflict."

Dustin Samerinezhad, who came to hear Tierradentro, said the Hispanic Heritage Festival is important for all Norman residents.

"It's always good to recognize the diversity in the population," he said.

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