Later this month, the Hispanic American Musicians and Artists Cultural Association (HAMACA) will launch the 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month festivities with its annual festival, Carnaval Latino. Celebrating Latin music, food, art, and culture, the Carnaval features an international lineup of performing artists as well as popular local bands that represent and showcase the cultural diversity and heritage of Latin America. And, of course, a parade.

Taking place on Saturday, September 30, the party will end at the Sugar Mill (1021 Convention Center Blvd.). The celebration will open with a French Quarter parade, though the official route and other information have yet to be announced (in previous years, the parades began at 6p.m.). However, one thing is clear: the Hispanic community and its neighbors will inject an international flavor to the New Orleans tradition of float parades. Each float will provide its own music, costumes and throws celebrating its national roots. Almost twenty floats representing countries from the Americas and an equal number of folkloric and marching groups will be included.

At 8p.m., once the “Parade of the Americas” has arrived at the venue, the Sugar Mill concert will take place (music lineup pending). A variety of Latino food vendors and artisans will also be on hand to offer a broad range of one-of-a-kind handcrafted items for sale.

Carnaval Latino is free and family friendly. To learn of more details as they’re announced, check out Carnaval’s official website.