From humble beginnings, Carnaval Latino (June 17-20), a project of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, has grown into a month-long series of music, exhibits and other activities to celebrate and publicize Latin contributions to the arts.

Over its five-year history, Carnaval Latino has expanded to include a golf tournament, a soccer tournament and additional cultural showcases such as a Hispanic art exhibit and writer's workshop at the Contemporary Arts Center.

"We figured that it would ta...