Events

Past Events

On Saturday 7th May 2011 at 7:30 PM A.L.A.S. held its AGM at St Paul's Parish Centre, De La Beche Road, Sketty, Swansea, followed by a film called 'KARMMA' (Director: Orlando Pardo, 2006). Film Synopsis: In the midst of the beautiful Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales) of Colombia and its haunting music, there is love, kidnapping, betrayal and great courage!

The 2011 A.L.A.S. Latin American Festival, organised by Swansea Latin American Association in conjunction with The Dylan Thomas Centre, took place from 14th February to 20th February 2011 at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, featuring ‘Tejas Verdes’ - a Play by Fermín Cabal in Spanish (with English subtitles) about the events following the bloody military overthrow of Chile’s government in 1973 - Films, Dancing, Music, Talks, a Piano Concert by Professor Gareth Walters of the College of Arts & Humanities of Swansea University featuring Spanish and Latin American composers, Poetry Readings and Workshops on Human Rights. The Festival was opened by Councillor Chris Holley, the Leader of Swansea City Council, in the presence of representatives from the Dylan Thomas Centre, A.L.A.S. and Landén Spanish Theatre Company, visiting from Madrid. The Festival gathered a record 550 people and raised £700 for charity. Grateful thanks to all our sponsors, to the Tejas Verdes performers and director, and the Cifuentes family who arranged their visit, to all the other performers, to the A.L.A.S. Committee members and A.L.A.S. members and followers, for all their support and hard work that made the Festival such a success.

On Saturday 4th of December 2010 at 6:00 p.m. we joined forces with The Garage Music Venue in Uplands (47 Uplands Crescent) to celebrate Xmas and to raise money for local charities.

On Saturday, 16th October 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea - Grace Livingstone talked about her latest book America's Backyard: The United States and Latin America, from the Monroe Doctrine to the War on Terror (Zed Books 2009). A Question & Answer session followed the talk.
Grace Livingstone is a journalist specialising in Latin American affairs. She was a reporter for The Guardian in Venezuela and has also worked for the BBC World Service and written for The Observer, The New Statesman and The Tablet. She is the author of Inside Democracy: Drugs Democracy and War (Latin America Bureau, 2003).

On Saturday 28th August 2010 A.L.A.S. participated in the World Party at the Waterfront Museum. In the A.L.A.S. tent you could come and:

• do puppet making with the children
• dress up in a typical Latin American costume and have your photo taken
• buy a RAFFLE ticket and win a fabulous prize (all proceeds to charity: see our Charities List)
• play the flags matching game
• watch short Latin American films
• buy Latin American crafts
• meet A.L.A.S. Committee, join A.L.A.S. or renew membership

• Salsa Workshop between 1:45 and 2:15 p.m.
• Performance on the main stage between 3:20 and 3:40 p.m.

On Saturday 17th July 2010 ALAS hosted a Guitar Concert with the Welsh-Argentine Guitar Duo - Adam Khan & Luis Orias Diz (www.welshargentineguitarduo.com) a musical celebration of the cultural links between Wales and the Welsh colonies in Patagonia, at 7:30 pm at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Convent Street, Greenhill, Swansea.
This was followed by the A.L.A.S. Annual General Meeting with the Report from Committee Members, the 2009-2010 Accounts and Events and the Election of a new Committee for 2010-2011, and then another 30 minutes of guitar music.
Refreshments (tea/coffee/biscuits/cakes) were available in the Cathedral Hall.

On Saturday 19th June 2010 we had the Festa Junina, with typical Brazilian dancing, food and drinks at St Joseph’s Cathedral Hall, Convent Street, Greenhill, Swansea, from 7:00 to 10:30 pm

On Friday 7th May 2010 there was a Chilean Wine Tasting (QP Wines & Swansea Rotary Club Charity Wine Tasting for Victims of the Chilean Earthquake) at Tircoed Village Hall, Gorseinon, SA4 9JJ

On Saturday 24th April 2010 at 7 pm there was a Chilean Evening to fundraise for victims of earthquake at Tara House, 7 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0PA.

The Latin American Festival, organised by Swansea Latin American Association in conjunction with The Dylan Thomas Centre, took place from 12th to 13th February 2010 at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, featuring mainly Brazil, Chile and Columbia.

The ALAS Xmas Party was held on Saturday 12th December from 7 pm
at Tara House, 7 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, Swansea.
7:00 p.m. - Doors open in the beautiful Tara House
7:15 p.m. - Novena / Posada typical Latin American Xmas celebration and Carols
8:00 p.m. - Sharing Xmas food from our different countries
9:00 p.m. - Musical entertainment
There was a fundraising raffle with Fairtrade produce and presents.

On Friday 27th November 2009 there was a Pub Outing at 8 p.m.to The Vivian Arms, Gower Rd, Sketty, Swansea.
The aim was to meet in a private room for a drink and a chat, to speak Spanish and/or Portuguese and play a tune or two on the guitar and/or flute.

On Saturday 17th of October 2009 at 7:30 pm there was a Brazilian Guitar Concert with Fernando Aguera at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Convent Street, Swansea, followed by a Chilean Wine Tasting with Enrique Quevedo of QP Wines in the Church Hall. This was a fundraising event with a raffle.
A short video can be seen here.

On Friday 25th September 2009 there was a Pub Outing at 8 p.m.to The Vivian Pub, Vivian Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 9BZ
The aim was to meet in a private room for a drink and a chat, to speak Spanish and/or Portuguese and play a tune or two on the guitar and/or flute.

On Saturday 29th August 2009 opposite The Waterfront Museum in Swansea, A.L.A.S. had a stall in the World Party, where Fernando Aguera played Brazilian guitar representing A.L.A.S.
For a sample of Fernando's talent, you may watch/listen to him on YouTube as follows:
Prelude 3 by Heitor Villa-Lobos and Etude 10 by Heitor Villa-Lobos. Fernando said:
The first video is Prelude 3 by the best Brazilian composer ever, Heitor Villa-Lobos. This year is the Fiftieth anniversary of his death. Villa-Lobos is also known for his explorations of Brazil's 'dark interior', when he absorbed the native Brazilian musical culture. Serious doubt has been cast on some of Villa-Lobos' tales, such as his capture and near escape from cannibals, his concerts playing the cello by the river in the middle of the Amazon Forest and to be forced to eat monkeys by the natives. Some believe them to be fabrications or wildly embellished romanticism by the composer... but fascinating, anyhow!

Friday 10th July 2009  Tango Workshops, Show & Milonga with Aisha & Victor from Buenos Aires
at The Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea.
The poster can be downloaded here.

Friday 26th June 2009  AGM & Brazilian evening 7:30-9:30 p.m.
at Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea.
GAMES~BARN DANCE~FOOD~RAFFLE~CRAFTS
including light Brazilian refreshments.
(Video from the Brazilian evening can be seen here).

Saturday 13th June 2009  Launch of Refugee Week opposite the Waterfront Museum, where ALAS had a stall.

Friday 29th May 2009  We met from 7.30 pm in the newly refurbished Hen Dderwen Pub, Sketty Park Drive, Swansea, SA2 8JH for a drink and a chat.

Friday 24th April 2009  Live Latin Band - Speek & Friends - 7.00 to 10.00 pm
Fundraising event at the Sketty Park Community Centre, Heather Crescent, Swansea SA2 8HG
Latin food and wine stalls.

On Saturday 28th March 2009 there was an ALAS Outing to Blaengarw.
This is a lovely town with magnific walks and views. After having our picnic, we were shown round the town.

The Latin American Cultural Festival, organised by Swansea Latin American Association in conjunction with The Dylan Thomas Centre, and this year with Cymru Cuba too, took place from 27th February to 1st March 2009, featuring films, illustrated talks, live guitar and drum music, dance demonstrations and Cuban Salsa Party, bilingual poetry recital, and a piano concert of Latin American composers given by Prof. Gareth Walters of Swansea University's School of Arts.
According to the final count of ticket stubs, 545 people attended the Festival over the whole weekend.
The Deputy Lord Mayor, Alan Lloyd, and Dr Lloyd Davies from the School of Arts, opened the Festival in the presence of 45 people.
BBC Wales recorded the Festival on Saturday 28th February and extracts of the recording were shown in the Mosquito programme for teenagers on 19th March (forward to 14:30): www.s4c.co.uk/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=339975533.
£732 was collected for charity. 6 charities were supported as follows:
1. ACAIA/FLAME - Friends of Latin American Expression (Brazil) - working with children in Favelas in Sao Paulo www.flame-uk.com.
2. SAL SI PUEDES - Environmental charity working with Colombian families (Colombia) www.salsipuedes.org.
3. T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care) Home Services (South Africa) - giving pallative care to children with AIDS (e-mail: tlchome@telkomsa.net).
4. MENCAP - UK charity that supports people with learning disabilities and their families (UK) Emma Jones will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for MENCAP www.mencap.org.uk.
5. Peace Mala - charity working for peace and tolerance. Ruth will be walking the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for Swansea’s Youth Project www.peacemala.org.uk/support.html.
6. Cymru Cuba – charity working to send aid in the form of medical equipment to Cuba www.cymrucuba.co.uk.
Thank you to our Festival SPONSORS who helped us by designing or printing our programmes and posters or by giving us prizes for our Raffle.

On Saturday 31st January 2009 an Indoor Picnic Get Together took place between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m at our new venue:
Sketty Park Community Centre, Heather Crescent, Sketty, Swansea (Bus Routes: 20, 20A).
People brought their picnic lunch and their family and friends, and A.L.A.S. provided soft drinks and Latin American music.
It was an opportunity to chat and get to know each other better; and an opportunity for new members to meet old members and mingle.

On Saturday 6th December 2008 the ALAS Xmas Party was held at the Brynmill Community Centre, St Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea. Doors opened at 6.30 p.m.
Food and soft drinks were available from 7.00 p.m.
There was guitar playing with Igor and friends, followed by Rhys Hughes' performance: 'Borges & Bossa Nova Melodies' (two ten-minute short story readings with musical accompaniment), followed by Salsa music and dancing.
Children and teenagers received small Xmas presents paid for by the Association, and there was a raffle (with Fairtrade prizes) to raise funds for Xmas presents for poor children in Latin America.

On Friday 31st October 2008 a Halloween Salsa Party with Brazilian Show was hosted by ALAS members Alba & Nelson
at the Dragon Hotel, Kingsway, Swansea

ALAS member Humberto Gatica exhibited at the SWANSEA FESTIVAL of Music and the Arts 4th-18th October 2008
at the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, Alexandra Road, Swansea
'Unreliable Truths- Transformation and Illusion in Contemporary Photographic Practice'
was a major exhibition which included the work of 11 of Wales' leading lens-based practitioners. At the core of the exhibition there was an exploration of the ways in which artists use the medium of photography to challenge, transform and illuminate their chosen subject matter.

On Saturday 4th October 2008 the ALAS monthly event was held at the Brynmill Community Centre, St. Alban's Road, Brynmill, Swansea. Doors opened at 7 p.m.
Illustrated Talk: 'Study Guatemala – The Story So Far: The Quest to Provide Education for the Underprivileged in Guatemala City'
by Prof. Phil Melling (American Studies - Swansea University) & Jessica Forse (former Hispanic Studies Student at Swansea University) who talked about their experience in Guatemala and their fundraising efforts, which include a Volcano Trek, to provide education to needy children.
There was a raffle, with proceeds to 'Study Guatemala'.

Saturday 6th September 2008 from 7:00 p.m. till midnight
there was an ARGENTINE EXTRAVAGANZA with AISHA & VICTOR FROM BUENOS AIRES
at the Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR
The programme was as follows:
7:00 p.m. Documentary & Talk on Evita Perón by Dr Lloyd Davies from the Centre for Latin American Studies, Modern Languages, School of Arts, Swansea University
8:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner. A spread of Latin American Tapas:
Argentine-style prawns, Mexican fajitas (roasted veg or chicken), Latin-style quiche, chips & dips (guacamole, salsa & sour cream), & salad.
9:00 p.m. There was anllustrated short Talk on ‘Tango’ by our visiting Argentinean couple, Aisha & Victor, followed by a Tango Demonstration, an introductory lesson and dancing practice till midnight.
There were also intensive Workshops with Aisha & Victor over the weekend.

Sunday 3rd August 2008 - Outing to LC2 (New Leisure Centre) in Swansea.
We joined Ruth & Fiona for a visit to the new Waterpark at LC2 with waves, rides and slides.
ALAS made a £2 contribution towards all children who attended (provided they were children of ALAS members)and towards all adult members of ALAS too.

Saturday 5th July 2008 at the Brynmill Community Centre at 7.30 pm:
~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/Spain/Portugal
Tapas & Light refreshments were available.

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 2007 at 12:30 pm. was lunch at Vincent's Restaurant, Eversley Road, Sketty, Swansea (One course £8, two courses £10, three courses £12).

Coming Events

On Saturday 2nd July 2011 A.L.A.S. welcomes back the talented Brazilian guitarist Fernando Aguera. Fernando returns to the city with his new duo Voz e Violão, in which he is joined by the Irish Soprano Grace Power.
Venue: St Paul's Parish Centre, De La Beche Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9AR (by the mini roundabout).
Doors open 7:30 p.m.
Entrance: £5 / £4 (Members)
Raffle & Light Refreshments available
For a film clip about the concert see youtube.com/watch?v=fTFVzAhw4Q4
More info from www.fernandoaguera.webs.com and www.gracepower.webs.com.

The A.L.A.S. 2011 Festival raised £700 for the following charities:
1. ACAIA/FLAME (Brazil) www.flame-uk.com.
2. CHILDREN OF THE ANDES (Colombia) www.childrenoftheandes.org.
3. T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care) Home Services (South Africa) (e-mail: tlchome@telkomsa.net).
4. YPN - South West Wales Younger Parkinson’s Network.
5. Japanese Earthquake Appeal (via Oxfam) www.oxfam.org.uk.

Grateful thanks to all our sponsors, to the Tejas Verdes performers and director, and the Cifuentes family who arranged their visit, to all the other performers, to the A.L.A.S. Committee members and A.L.A.S. members and followers, for all their support and hard work that made the Festival such a success.

To date we have raised: £3,833 and supported 21 different charities.

Interesting Links providing Latin American Salsa and Tango classes and dancing & other fun gigs in SWANSEA:
~Monkey Café, Castle Street, Swansea: www.monkeycafe.co.uk/homepage.php
~The Chattery, Uplands, Swansea: homepage.ntlworld.com/thechattery
~Salsa Today: www.salsatoday.co.uk

10% 0FF FOR ALAS MEMBERS ONLY
If you have not renewed your membership yet for the current year, please complete this form and return it with payment to our Treasurer, Sarah Cole. Cheques/postal orders payable to ALAS, please.
On presentation of their current membership card, ALAS members receive 10% off (sometimes 15% off) at various business in Swansea & Cardiff. For details please click here: Advantages of Membership 2009.

Recipes

Food Passion - Swansea Food and Restaurant Guide

Pictures from previous Festivals