Top Ways to Connect with Asheville’s Latino Community

Asheville is a small yet diverse city known for its rich multicultural tapestry, and an essential part of that mosaic is the rapidly growing Latino community, my tribe! As an Argentine, I feel right at home here! I love it when people ask about my accent, homeland, and the amazing culture that shapes my identity. It’s a refreshing change from other places I’ve traveled in the U.S., where my background and accent weren’t always welcomed. 

Embracing Asheville’s Latino culture is about weaving connections, fostering inclusion, and building mutual understanding. And let me tell you, it’s a blast! From attending festivals and events to learning Spanish and Latin dances or supporting Latinos in their endeavors, building bridges between communities is essential for cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone’s contributions are known and valued. 

Here are some ways you can engage with the Asheville Latino community. ¡Que te divertas! Have fun!

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1. Learn Spanish!

Learning Spanish is a great first step to breaking down those language barriers and connecting with your Latino neighbors.  Even if you’re just starting with a few phrases, your effort will warm our hearts and create connections that matter. ¡Hablemos!

Did you know that a whopping 13% of the US population speaks Spanish at home? That makes it the second non-English language in the country! Who knows—maybe one day, it’ll become our second official language! I’m totally here for it!

ABTech offers excellent courses, including a very useful Spanish for the Workplace. There is a regular Spanish Conversation Group at Pack Memorial Library, and the Facebook group Asheville Spanish Club is the best resource for folks who want to learn Spanish, participate in lively local conversation groups at Latino restaurants, or find out about opportunities to mingle with the local Latino community.

2. Support Latinos Who Want to Learn English

Here is another way to break the language barrier! You can teach English to a neighbor immigrant motivated to find a better job, help their kids with homework, attend parent-teacher conferences without an interpreter, or simply be happier in their new country.

Literacy Together’s ESOL Program teaches English to 300 immigrants in Buncombe County! All their tutors are volunteers, and they have 70+ people on their waiting list, most of whom are from Latin America. Some of them have been waiting for months for a tutor. You can volunteer in-person or remotely and don’t have to speak Spanish.  

According to the US Census 2023 estimate, immigrants are 6.4% of Buncombe County’s population, and most speak Spanish at home. Teaching them English is an awesome way to make them feel more welcome in their new country.

3. Check Out One World Brewing West’s Latin Night

One World Brewing West Latin Night happens every Wednesday. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just finding your rhythm, this night is about embracing Latin culture with local Latino food, live music that’ll make you want to move, and dance lessons for every skill level (from 8:30 to 9:00). 

Picture yourself grooving to the infectious beats of bachata, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and even reggaeton—whether you’re a pro or a beginner, it’s all about the fun! 

The brewery hosts unique fiestas during some of the year’s most exciting celebrations. Prepare for an explosion of color, music, and joy during Cinco de Mayo, Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Day of the Dead festivities.

Follow the teacher’s Facebook page Salsa AVL, for updates. 

4. Take a Dance Class at ABTech

If you’ve caught the dance fever from a casual and fun Latin night at a local brewery and are ready to dive deeper into the rhythm, ABTech is the place to be. They offer Latin dance classes that take you from casual foot-tapping to serious dance-floor domination! 

Whether you’re looking to perfect your salsa spins, master the art of bachata, or glide through the irresistible beat of cumbia, their classes have something for everyone. You can check out their schedule here, and get ready to turn your passion into skill!

5. Sample Colombian Food at Juancho’s Fonda

Opened in the late summer of 2024, Juancho’s Fonda has quickly become Asheville’s newest hidden gem, swooping in to fill the void left behind by the iconic Chorizo restaurant. With its flavorful Colombian menu, this place feels like a celebration of culture in every bite—perfect for anyone missing those authentic, bold tastes!

And here’s the best part: the entire menu is gluten-free so that everyone can dig in worry-free. You’ll also score a complimentary appetizer with every main course from Monday to Thursday. You’ll love everything, from the sancocho to the chimichurri, the drinks, and the flan!

If you’re looking for a laid-back spot to bring your friends (furry ones included!), you’ll love the spacious dog-friendly patio, perfect for group gatherings, casual hangouts, or even a fun date night. At Juancho’s Fonda, it’s not just a meal; it’s an authentic Colombian experience—fresh, homemade, and authentic! 

Supporting Latino businesses is one of the best ways to connect!

6. Join a Bilingual Story Time

Looking for a playful, engaging way to introduce your little ones to a new language? La hora del Cuento at the Enka-Candler Library is just the thing! This bilingual story time happens every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30. It is a fantastic opportunity for children to immerse themselves in both English and Spanish. 

Whether Spanish is your family’s first language or you’re excited about exposing your kids to a second one, this event is perfect for all! Plus, libraries are always a great place to meet new friends and connect with other families in the community.

Studies show that learning a second language at an early age enhances brain development, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It also fosters open-mindedness by exposing children to diverse cultures and ways of thinking. Storytime in two languages makes learning fun and accessible, encouraging children to pick up new words and phrases through songs, rhymes, and lively storytelling. And the best part? Kids don’t even realize they’re learning—they’re just having a blast! 

Another great resource for families wanting to expose their kids to Spanish is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to every registered child until they turn 5. The best part? Families can now choose to receive the books in a bilingual English-Spanish format! 

7. Go to the Annual Festival Hola Asheville!

Hosted every June by the amazing nonprofit Hola Carolina (except for 2024, sadly), this festival transforms Pack Square into a vibrant explosion of Latin-American culture. Imagine the air filled with the mouth-watering aromas of authentic Latin street food, the heart-thumping rhythms of live music, and people dancing to cumbia, salsa, and merengue beats. 

And when the dance floor heats up? Cool off with a splash at Splashville—a built-in water party!

But Hola Carolina isn’t just about fun – it’s also the perfect way to dive into the rich Latino culture in Western North Carolina. They’ve recently launched La Pantera 97.3, the go-to Spanish-language radio station in the region. Tune in to stay in the loop on all things Latino!

8. Discover Cuentos y Café

Cuentos y Café is a vibrant and multicultural Latina woman-owned independent bookstore that operates as a pop-up and an online bookstore. It specializes in carefully curated selections that highlight works by BIPOC and BIPOC LGBTQIA+ authors, celebrating diverse voices and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for children’s books, adult fiction, or nonfiction, its collection in English and Spanish offers something for everyone. 

Cuentos y Café is at various pop-ups around Western North Carolina, including local markets, coffee shops, and community events. Each event is a unique opportunity to explore their thoughtful selection and connect with others who share a passion for Latino literature. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on where they’ll pop up next and browse their latest collections.

9. Dance La Noche Away

Leaf Global Arts hosts Fuego Fridays on the final Friday of each month. This is a Salsa Social, complete with a DJ Dance Party with DJ Haviken Hayes and a Dance Lesson with Monika Guerra. Fun!

If you’re in the mood for something more intimate, explore the sensual world of tango with the amazing Mary Morgan, a renowned tango instructor offering the best lessons in town. 

For those craving something different, don’t miss out on the joy and excitement of Rueda de Casino AVL! This Cuban-style group dance is a social and interactive experience where you’ll switch partners in a fun, dynamic circle.