Kristina Martinez and Ricardo Fernandez had their hands full this past weekend at the annual La Fiesta Tropical sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Coalition.

The event attracted not only Saint Louis University students but also those from the surrounding area. The dance was advertised in Que Pasa, a local Hispanic newspaper, and via airwaves through KDHX 88.1, one of the stations in St. Louis which has Spanish language programming.

“This is the third year for the dance and the BMC can host approximately 700 people,” Martinez said. “So, we expected that many.”

In past years the Latin/Reggae celebration has attracted large numbers.

Marilyn Ricker, one the former organizers and promoters, said, “The first year we had almost 900 people. As the night progressed, people were turned away at the door because DPS had threatened to shut down the party on account of so many people.”

Martinez said the event cost about $2,000 but the organization receives aid from the International Student Federation.

Former LACC member Nubia Trogler said, “Other years it’s been packed, but unfortunately there aren’t too many tonight.”

Trogler is of Central American descent and added, “I’ve grown up with this type of music, so I know how to Salsa and Merengue.”

The celebration had both a DJ and a live band, Son Melao, who are members of Solucion Latina.

Both Martinez and Fernandez have experience with this kind of event.

Martinez, whose parents were born in Colombia, South America, has Flamenco danced for 14 years.

“Flamenco is a form of folk art from Spain,” Martinez added. She has also performed at the International Student Banquet.

Fernandez’s exposure to music began in early childhood while living in Kingston, Jamaica. He later freelanced as a DJ in Jamaica and also here in the United States.

Fernandez said he has done some private parties here at SLU and Washington University.