Sangria on the Southside to celebrate Latino culture

Stacy Johnson, executive director of La Paz Chattanooga, said tonight is all about celebrating the variety of Latino heritage within the greater Chattanooga community.

"We want to give Chattanooga a taste of the diverse Latino culture," said Johnson, of the primary goal of this evening's celebration, Sangria on the Southside.

Now in its fourth year, Sangria on the Southside is a celebration of all things Latino, including music, dance, food, wine and, yes, sangria.

While in the past, Johnson said, La Paz has made its own sangria for the evening, this year, they have received sangria donations from Red Guitar wines. Sangria, essentially a wine fruit punch, has its roots in Spanish culture but has been adopted by other cultures as well.

Attendees at Sangria on the Southside also will be invited to sample Chilean wines and Colombian desserts, among other delicacies, including Mexican-style tapas from Taqueria Jalisco. They will be treated to a performance by Atlanta-based flamenco company, Calo Gitano.

Proceeds from the evening go toward La Paz programs, which include advocacy and education for the Latino community of Chattanooga.