Hong Kong looks forward to being bathed in Latino heat just as the autumn sets in over the next two months.

The Latin Passion Festival running from October to November is set to present an exhilarating range of music, dance and theatre programmes from a whole spectrum of Latin American countries.

From the sexy Argentinean Tango por dos to the energetic Mexican Jarocho; from sublime Cuban vocals to heart-warming Brazilian Bossa Nova music - all of this and lots more will be on offer for Hong Kong's discriminating audience.

"Apart from stage performances, we are also organising activities which reach out to the community, most of which are free. These include visual art exhibitions, book displays at the Hong Kong Central Library, dance workshops and master classes," said Agnes Tang, director of the Leisure and Cultural Services department of the Hong Kong Government, the main organiser of the Festival.

One of the unique elements of this Festival is the collaboration with local artists to produce a unique crossover experience. "We hope to engage not only our audiences in the Festival but also our local artists in this first-time venture so that their creativity is fully explored," said Ms. Tang.

Hong Kong singer-songwriter Chet Lam will be working with the Cuban cappella singing sensation, Vocal Sampling while the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will present Latin Passion, with Cuba's Walther Castro on the bandoneon. A local theatre company, Chung Ying, will present an adapted version of the award-winning film, The Postman, showcasing the magical poetry of Chilean Pablo Neruda, but with a cast of Hong Kong artistes.

To jazz up the atmosphere around town, Hong Kong's main Victoria Park, will host a Latin Fiesta with Samba dancers and games, and live music from Colombia to Peru. Rumba, cha cha, mambo, and salsa are set to be the order of the day.

Passion multiplied

Miguel Angel Zotto presents: Tango Una Leyenda (Tango: The Legend) by Tango Por Dos (Argentina)

Meanwhile, the GRULAC (Group of Latin American Consulates in Hong Kong) will simultaneously host the Latin America 2005 Festival, bringing to town various aspects of Latin American culture, art, products and traditions for the second time in Hong Kong.

Amidst movie-screenings and exhibitions featuring Latin American artists, the highlight of their Festival is the all-day Beach Party on Hong Kong's Lantau Island, where people of all ages are invited to imbibe a Latino atmosphere with music, food, games and lots of dancing.

"Hong Kong is an international city, and Latin America is an important partner," said Mario Leal, Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong, and the representative of GRULAC.

"We are a land of 450 million people and although our countries share similar cultures, each country is unique in many ways. With this Festival we want to bring to the people of Hong Kong, a small segment of our culture, food and art. The more you know us, the more we can build stronger ties and relationships, and become closer as a human community," he said.

In the true Latino spirit of warmth and camaraderie, Hong Kong is sure to soak up the double dose of art and culture, for an unforgettably sizzling autumn. Both festivals will be held at various venues in Hong Kong from mid-October to mid-November 2005.

Related links
Latin Passion Festival 
www.mayahk.com