FIESTA DEL SOL FESTIVAL FLAVOR, RHYTHM, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional Photos by MYRTLE ROY
On Saturday, March 21, the McLean Community Center once again transforms an evening into a vibrant celebration of color, rhythm, and connection as Fiesta del Sol Festival returns from 5 to 10 p.m.
For one unforgettable night, the Center becomes a lively gathering place where Latin American and Caribbean traditions come to life through music, dance, art, and cuisine. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase and responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages.
“Fiesta del Sol is a celebration of community, culture, and connection,” shares MCC Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar. “It’s an opportunity to honor diversity while creating joyful, meaningful experiences for everyone in McLean.”
The evening begins with high-energy sets from D.C.-based DJ Leo, setting an upbeat tone that carries throughout the celebration. Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests are invited to step onto the dance floor for interactive salsa, cumbia, and merengue lessons led by Salsa Guy Richmond—transforming spectators into participants.
Featured performer Izis, known as La Enfermera de la Salsa, brings dynamic vocals and remarkable versatility to the stage. A Puerto Rico native and U.S. Army nurse with more than 17 years of service, Izis performs selections from her latest album, A Mi Manera, blending soulful expression with a commanding stage presence. Adding to the energy, Pablo Antonio y La Firma infuse the evening with vibrant merengue and cumbia rhythms that keep the crowd moving all night long.
Guests can indulge in Spanish and Latin American tapas and handcrafted cocktails from Sabores Tapas Bar, featuring sangria and rum- and tequila-based creations inspired by rich Latin flavors. Complementing the festivities, an artisan marketplace showcases handcrafted goods from across Latin America and the Caribbean—a colorful display of fashion, décor, fine art, and traditional craftsmanship. Items will be available for purchase from Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico, and Bolivia.
FROM VISION TO FIESTA
Behind this vibrant celebration stands a passionate and experienced team: Beatriz de la Caridad Paz, Catherine Nesbitt, Mary Carter, and Willie Montgomery. Together, they bring a powerful blend of leadership, creativity, and operational excellence to life through Fiesta del Sol.
BEATRIZ DE LA CARIDAD PAZ
Founder, VIP Impressions
At the helm of VIP Impressions, Beatriz de la Caridad Paz brings both vision and precision to Fiesta del Sol. With more than three decades of experience in event planning and management—along with over 15 years of formal project management training—she understands that truly memorable celebrations are created at the intersection of creativity and discipline.
Her career began in sales and marketing with Lufthansa German Airlines and evolved into conference management with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Coconut Grove, followed by leadership roles with Posadas Hotels and Resorts. Through VIP Impressions, Beatriz seamlessly blends hospitality excellence with meticulous coordination, crafting experiences that bring people together with intention and sophistication.
CATHERINE NESBITT
Former Special Events Team Manager, McLean Community Center
After 16 years of dedicated service, Catherine Nesbitt retires from her role as Special Events Team Manager at the McLean Community Center, leaving behind a lasting legacy of thoughtful leadership and community celebration.
Throughout her tenure, Catherine helped shape many of McLean’s most cherished events, building a strong foundation upon which experiences like Fiesta del Sol continue to thrive.
MARY CARTER
Special Events Assistant Manager, McLean Community Center
Mary Carter believes in the quiet magic of well-orchestrated events—the way they bring people together and transform thoughtful ideas into unforgettable experiences. Her expertise spans conferences, weddings, intimate gatherings, and large-scale festivals, all guided by disciplined planning and meticulous execution.
WILLIE MONTGOMERY
Special Events Coordinator, McLean Community Center
With more than 25 years of experience in events and production, Willie Montgomery brings both technical expertise and creative vision to the McLean Community Center’s Special Events team. Specializing in logistics, audiovisual production, and event design, he ensures that every detail—both seen and unseen—comes together seamlessly to create a polished and memorable community experience.
Together, the McLean Community Center’s Special Events unit oversees many of McLean’s most beloved annual traditions, including Fiesta del Sol, McLean Day, Earth Day, the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, Pet Fest, the Antiques Show & Sale, and the Holiday Art & Crafts Festival. Their collective dedication continues to shape the cultural rhythm of the community.
Fiesta del Sol reflects MCC’s ongoing commitment to celebrating culture, creativity, and connection—offering McLean an evening filled with music, movement, and shared joy. ✨
