Events

Past Events

Saturday 7th June - Festa Junina Marisa Morita, our Brazilian Affairs Officer, and her Brazilian friends, kindly organised for A.L.A.S. the popular Festa Junina. The venue was the Brynmill Community Centre and doors opened at 7 pm. Men wore straw hats, checked shirts, and jeans; women wore straw hats with a flower / ribbon or ponytails with a ribbon, and colourful dresses. There was Typical ‘Festa Junina’ food & drinks. Guitar music was played by by Igor (Russia), Sean (Wales), and Silvia (Denmark). Igor started with three pieces of Brazilian music followed by the trio interpreting music from Argentina and Peru. Then Sean & Silvia played some Latin American tunes. Finally people joined in to dance (or watch) Quadrilha (barn dancing), Samba, Lambada and Salsa

Wednesday 25 June 2008 - Launch of Chilean Humberto Gatica's book of poems and photographs, The Sand Garden / El Jardín de Arena (Hafan Books, Swansea)organised by A.L.A.S. member, Tom Cheesman, on behalf of Bay Asylum Seekers Support Group. The venue was The Chattery, Uplands Crescent, Uplands, Swansea with a start at 7 pm. A first limited edition of 55 copies was on sale, costing £10 each, to raise funds for Swansea Bay Asylum Seekers Support Group. (A second edition is available online at www.lulu.com/content/2112055; and see also www.hafan.org). As well as Humberto, Nigel Jenkins and Malcolm Parr also read poems, and Igor Sazonov played the guitar. Entry was free and snacks were provided.

Saturday 3rd May 2008: A.L.A.S. AGM with Humberto Gatica's 'Word & Image' Recital & Exhibition.
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea
7:30 p.m. Latin American cocktails
8:00 p.m. AGM: Committee Officers' brief reports & election of new Committee
8:45 p.m. 'Word & Image' Recital & Exhibition by Humberto Gatica

Swansea Women's History Roadshow on Saturday 19th of April
A.L.A.S. members were invited to participate in the roadshow at the Waterfront Museum, The Marina, Swansea, by having a stall with displays related to the 'History of our Association'.
The Committee agreed to participate by displaying:

• Posters
• Photographs
• Souvenirs
• Memorabilia
• Typical costumes from our countries
• Personal quotes and/or stories of Latin American, Spanish & Portuguese women, narrating how we came to be in Swansea, what brought us here, and how we were finding life in Swansea.
• Personal quotes and/or stories of other women who have lived or visited Latin America, Spain or Portugal and their links those countries and with Swansea.

On Saturday 1st March 2008 Eisenstein's film "¡Que Viva México!" (12) was shown at the Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea, followed by a sing-along of Mexican rancheras.
In 1931, Sergei M. Eisenstein & Grigori Aleksandrov moved to the USA to work for Paramount, but the contract never transpired. The team decided to go to Mexico to make a movie about its history and culture. They joined some Mexican intellectuals, travelled around Mexico trying to assimilate Mexican culture, and shot the film ¡Que Viva México! Love, marriage, Mexican Revolution, the Day of the Dead - amazing footage! To read more follow this link.

The Latin American and Spanish Festival ran from 8th to 10th February 2008 at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, with films, music, art, dancing, food, crafts and raffle. It was a fundraising event to support charities working with Latin American and African disadvantaged children: ACAIA/FLAME (Brazil), Fundación Nueva Vida Parar Todos (Colombia), México Amigo (México), Study Guatemala (Guatemala) and Tender Loving Care Home Services (South Africa).

On Saturday 1st December 2007 the A.L.A.S. XMAS PARTY took place in Committee Room 3 of the Guildhall in Swansea, starting at 6 pm.
Admission was free to everyone who brought an Xmas dish from his/her country.
Thanks to everybody who participated and contributed food and presents for the Raffle. Special thanks to Mandy for her Puppet Show, Jeremy for his Flamenco guitar, Patrick for his harmonica and Sandrine & Javier for their dancing. A big thank you to Father Xmas for being with us on the night! A special thank you also to José & Cristina for securing the lovely room, which made the Party more special.

On Friday 23rd November at the Glynn Vivian Gallery one could meet one of the Colombian artists whose work is on display at the Gallery, and join her for lunch afterwards.

On Saturday 2nd November a Mexican Celebration was held at the Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill. November is an important month in the Mexican calendar, in which people celebrate both the Day of the Dead and also the Mexican Revolution.
The event started at 7.30 pm and featured typical Mexican food - mole, tinga, pozole - and Mexican music.
Non-alcoholic refreshments were available, and people could bring a bottle if they wished.

The Opening of the first major exhibition of Contemporary Colombian Art in the UK, including photography, sculpture, video, painting, printmaking and installation, took place at the Glynn Vivian Gallery on Friday 5th October; it was a great success attracting about 150 people, many of them A.L.A.S. members. The exhibition will run until Saturday 6th January 2008.

On Saturday 13th of October from 11am to 4pm there was an Artist Workshop at the Glynn Vivian Gallery, Alexandra Road, Swansea. Bogotá–based artist Humberto Junca talked about his own collection of instruments and ‘Coplas' (songs) and gave a short performance.

A Chilean Evening was held on Saturday 1st September 2007 in Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill.
The event started at 7.30 pm and featured Chilean food and a film.
Non-alcoholic refreshments were available, and people could bring a bottle if they wished.

Colombian Film and Photography Show took place on Saturday 7th July
at Brynmill Community Centre,St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea

Brazilian Party - FESTA JUNINA took place on Saturday 2nd June 2007 - a chance to experience a little bit of Brazil, featuring typical Brazilian food, traditional Brazilian music, Brazilian barn/square dance and Brazilian crafts. The men wore straw hats and checked shirts and the women wore colourful dresses
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Sketty, Swansea.
Non-alcoholic refreshments were available, and people could bring a bottle if they wished.

AGM + Latin American Quiz Evening took place on Saturday 5th May 2007, testing knowledge of Latin American Films , Dances, Food, People and Places. Great fun and lots of prizes for the best team efforts. Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Sketty, Swansea.
Non-alcoholic refreshments were available, and people could bring a bottle if they wished.

MEXICAN CUISINE WORKSHOP took place on Saturday 24th March 2007
at the Women's Centre, 25 Mansel Street, Swansea 3-6 p.m.
Led by Daría Larrea-Pickin
Cost: £3/£1 (children over 2 years of age); (including all ingredients and a soft drink)
12 women and 3 children attended the Mexican cuisine workshop; everybody enjoyed making the tortillas and eating the taco fillings. Delicious! Recipes will be posted on the Web site soon.

Latin American Festival 2007
The Latin American Festival ran from 23rd to 25th February 2007 at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, with films, music, art, dancing, food, crafts and raffle. It was a fundraising event to support charities working with Latin American and African disadvantaged children as well as the Ecuadorian FUNDESIN Foundation working with the Yacana Indigenous projects.

January Event, on Saturday 20th January at 12:30 pm. was lunch at Vincent's Restaurant, Eversley Road, Sketty, Swansea (One course £8, two courses £10, three courses £12).

The ALAS Xmas Party took place on Saturday 2nd of December at Brynmill Community Centre (St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea) from 7:30 - 10:30 pm.
There was lots of fun with a PIÑATA & Santa Claus for the kids, Live Music and Carol Singing, Xmas food, drinks, Latin American music and dancing.

29th September to 1st October 2006 a Weekend of Dance, Percussion & Poetry at the Dylan Thomas Centre.

On Saturday 2nd September 'Fuego Latino' performed at 7:30 pm at the Pembroke Festival.

Also on Saturday 2nd September Rio came to Swansea at Brangwyn Hall (Showcase Event - 8 pm to 2 am £10).

On Saturday 19th August 'Fuego Latino' dance group performed with 'Descarga Cubana' at the Millennium Centre Foyer, Cardiff.

The MAS Swansea Carnival FREE Workshops to help make your own costume and participate in the parade took place in the Counterpoint Theatre, Uplands. The Carnival was on Saturday 26th of August from midday onwards.

ALAS DANCE GROUP 'Fuego Latino' was invited to perform during the Eisteddfod National Festival of Wales (5-12 August).

Saturday 22nd July Outing to the Millennium Centre, Cardiff
to see Carmina Burana (direct from Seville: timeless masterpiece...stunning Spanish choreography, Flamenco dancing, guitars etc), with tickets from £5. ALAS arranged transport in various cars.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June
ALAS Dance group performed at 1:00 pm both days at the Waterfront Museum, Swansea, as part of Refugee Week.

Saturday 17th June - Sunday 18th June
ALAS members participated in the Natural Living Show at the DRAGON HOTEL, Kingsway Circle, Swansea
with Ruth from ZEN ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MASSAGE.

Saturday 3rd June Lambada Demonstration and Workshop + Brazilian Food
Once again it was time for the FESTA JUNINA and this year our Brazilian members offered:

• A Lambada Demonstration & Workshop
• Brazilian Food
  
• Brazilian Crafts & Raffle

Saturday 6th May AGM with Trilingual Poetry Reading and Guitar
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill
Doors opened at 7.00 pm. Meeting started at 7.30 pm with AGM (to elect a new Committee)
followed by a Trilingual Poetry Recital (Spanish, English and Welsh) of some of Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda's most loved poems. There was also guitar playing.

Saturday 1st April Food Tasting and Recipe Swapping
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill
Doors opened at 7.30 pm and closed at 10.00 pm
Members cooked dishes and brought them to the meeting. Some of the recipes can be seen here.
Non-alcoholic refreshments were available and you could bring your own bottle.

On Friday 3rd March ALAS dance group performed in the Taliesin Theatre (University of Swansea campus) as part of the International Students Festival.
Tickets cost £4.00 from Swansea University Students Union Box Office in For further information on the event please contact Bilkisu Oniyangi, International Students Officer, Tel: 01792 295616

On Monday 27th February ALAS dance group performed at Pentrehafod School, Swansea at 7:00 pm as part of a Community Dance Festival. Event free. All welcome.

Latin American Cultural Festival 10-12 February 2006
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea
Events included:

• Latin American Film Festival
• Exhibition of paintings
• Live Band "Conjunto Sabroso"
• Mexican Evening with dances and food

Coming Events

Saturday 5th July 2008 at 7.30 pm.
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban’s Road, Brynmill, Swansea.
~Illustrated Slide Show & Talk on Santiago de Compostela by Jerome Bradnick (ELTS - Swansea University)
~PowerPoint Presentation on recent tour to Chile, Argentina & Brazil by Nicholas A Jones (Graduate - SU)
~Members' snapshots of holidays in Latin America or Spain or Portugal (if you wish to participate, please bring them on USB or CD) and prepare a 10-15 minute presentation (10-15 photographs) sharing your holiday with us!
Tapas & Light refreshments will be available (Please bring a bottle, if you wish to consume wine or beer)
Cost:
£2-50 members
£3-50 non-members
(Members giving presentations get free entrance)
All welcome.

Sunday 3rd August 2008 - Outing to LC2 (New Leisure Centre) in Swansea.
Join Ruth & Fiona for a visit to the new Waterpark at LC2 with waves, rides and slides.
See: www.thelcswansea.com/facilities/1017
Address: Oystermouth Road, Swansea. Meet at the entrance at 3:45 p.m. to go in together at 4:00 p.m.
Cost:
Adults £7
Children (3-16) £4 normally (£2 on that day*)
Under 3s - Free
*ALAS will make a £2 contribution towards all children who attend (provided they are children of ALAS members)
Please telephone Ruth on 01792 891546 to let her know that you will be joining her and her daughter Fiona. Then she can book the group session for ALAS. Please tell her how many children will be attending.
All welcome.

Saturday 6th September 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Venue: Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea
~7:45 p.m. Illustrated Talk & Documentary on Evita Perón by Dr. Lloyd Davies (Modern Languages, School of Arts, Swansea University)
~9:00 p.m. Tango Demonstration & Short Talk by Adriana's Tango dancers
See: www.tango-swansea-abertawe.org.uk
Tapas & Light refreshments will be available (Please bring a bottle, if you wish to consume wine or beer)
Cost:
£3-00 members
£4-00 non-members
All welcome.

Alba & Nelson's Salsa classes started on Thursday 10th January at the Dragon Hotel, Kingsway, Swansea. BEGINNERS at 7.30pm & INTERMEDIATE at 8.45pm. For more information e-mail: salsatoday@hotmail.co.uk

Latin Night is every Tuesday at the Monkey Café, High Street, Swansea, with Salsa classes from 7 pm to 9 pm and a (Latin) DJ from 9 pm until late. Join them and have fun!

10% 0FF FOR ALAS MEMBERS ONLY
If you have not renewed your membership yet for the current year (February 2008-February 2009), please complete this form and return it with payment to our Treasurer, Maria Gomez. Cheques/postal orders payable to ALAS, please.
Apart from discounts at every event, including the Festival, A.L.A.S. members get 10% off at La Tasca and Govinda's restaurants in Swansea; at ZEN Acupuncture & Aromatherapy Massage (Tel. Ruth on: 01792 - 891546); and for Holistic Therapy (Reiki, Reflexology and many more) at the Killay Therapy Centre (Tel. Susan on 01792 - 371327). All members will receive a membership card, which must be shown to get your discounts.
See also downloadable Advantages of Membership.

Recipes

Food Passion - Swansea Food and Restaurant Guide

Pictures from last year's Festival