Venezuelan food at Carnaval del Pueblo - 1 August

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This Sunday, 1 August, thousands of Latinos and lovers of all things Latin American will be heading for Burgess Park in South London for the annual Carnaval del Pueblo, an all-day celebration showcasing the best of hispanic music, food and culture. This is a full-on Latin fiesta so expect lots of hip-swinging salsa, merengue, cumbia and vallenato.

Not only is this the largest Latin outdoor festival in Europe but it's completely free, with events from 10 in the morning to 9.30 at night.

The party kicks off at midday with a colourful procession of dancers and floats that takes about two hours to wind its way down Elephant Road, Walworth Road and Albany Road to Burgess Park.

Once in the park, there are stalls selling CDs, rum, beer, and tasty traditional dishes from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.

Concerts and dance competitions are scheduled throughout the afternoon on the large central stage, and will culminate with an eagerly-anticipated performance by Nuyorican salsa legends the Lebron Brothers.

Elsewhere in the park, there are separate areas for the music of Brazil, Bolivia and Mexico, and a special area dedicated to Latin hip hop and reggaeton.

There will also be an attempt in the main field to break the Guinness world record for the biggest ever salsa dance, so bring your partner and get ready to bust some killer moves.

The current record of 451 couples was set in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2006 and organizers of Carnaval del Pueblo are hoping to attract 500 dancers to the event. The warm-up will start at 10.30 in the morning and salsa dancers who want to take part are advised to wear black shirts or T-shirts.

Venezuelans looking for a taste of home should head for stall 39, close to the main stage (see map), where Alexis Pulido and Mary Calvo of "Mi cocina es Tuya" will be serving up typical Venezuelan dishes such as cornmeal arepas stuffed with cheese, shredded beef and black beans, as well as empanadas, tequeños and even Christmas treats like hallacas.

Last year, one of their best sellers was Venezuela's national dish, pabellon criollo, a filling combo platter of shredded beef, black beans, white rice and fried plantains (carne mechada, caraotas negras, arroz blanco y tajadas).

Alexis and Mary have been serving up traditional Venezuelan food at the Carnaval del Pueblo for several years now and recently opened up "Cafe Latino" in Crystal Palace (61 Westow Street, Crystal Palace,
London, SE19 3RW). 

To find the "Mi Cocina es Tuya" food stall just look for the yellow, blue and red of the Venezuelan flag.

I'll see you there. Nos Vemos. Todo chevere!

Pabellon Criollo - Venezuela's National Dish

Recipe: How to Make Arepas

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Glossary: Eating at an Arepera

La Reina Pepiada: The Curvy Queen of Arepas

Arepa and Co: The only Venezuelan food outlet in the UK

Recipe: Caraotas Negras - Venezuelan Black Beans

Recipe: Carne Mechada - Venezuelan Shredded Beef

Ordering Venezuelan food in London