El Jeffrey stopped in the street to sing for a little girl. Tonight he is on stage, and entry is free

Eleven hours straight, two days, free entry. Today and tomorrow, from 12:00 to 23:00 without a break, the marquee at the Recinto Ferial in Arrecife turns into Latin America. It is called LATAM VIVE and this is the first edition.

The story that makes the festival

Tonight's headliner is El Jeffrey, the Dominican singer, José Gabriel Severino. He has spent the past days going round the island: photographs with anyone who asked, a visit to the Cabildo, hellos.

Then, walking through Arrecife, he came across a girl with a disability. He stopped and sang to her, right there in the street. She laughed. He posted the video himself.

His words: «Music is universal, it brings everyone closer. Giving people happiness is an important thing». He will be selling the festival's official cups, with the takings going to charity.

What it actually is

A festival of Latin American cultures: music, food, traditions. The Cabildo presented it, Carlos Alférez coordinates it, and its president Oswaldo Betancort explains it with a line that on Lanzarote is simply true: «We share gastronomy, music and traditions». On this island the Latin American community is not a folkloric minority: it is part of the place.

It opens with DJs and closes with concerts on the main stage. In between, eleven hours in which you come and go as you please.

Getting there

Carpa del Recinto Ferial, Arrecife.
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 12:00–23:00.
Free entry while there is room.

It is free, it lasts two days and there is merengue inside a marquee. Not much else is needed to decide.