Culture

Look here for ideas about cultural connections.

[|Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival]

Día de los Muertos - The 11th annual Day of the Dead Celebration at the Des Moines Art Center Sunday, October 30, 2011 1 - 4 pm Admission is free More information as it becomes available

Some great local restaurants.

Mi Patria - Ecuadoran restaurant in West Des Moines, next to Michael's. Great to try food beyond Mexican. Go on a weekend so you can have the lunch buffet and try a sampling of Ecuadoran cuisine. I've never tried anything I didn't like there. [|Mi Patria]

El Salvador del Mundo - tiny little restaurant in Des Moines. Great food from El Salvador. Inexpensive. Worth the trip. Try the different sodas too. [|El Salvador del Mundo]

El CentroAmericano 2811 SE 14th St Des Moines According to the Sept. 20 Des Moines Register, this restaurant opened September 9. It serves a sampling of Central America foods that would be typical of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
 * a new Central American restaurant**

1. Monterrey/Mazatlan has 4 locations, including one in Waukee. Fairly typical, but more authentic. [|Monterrey Mexican Restaurant]
 * great Mexican restaurants**

2. Los Laureles. East of the capitol. Very authentic. Excellent food. [|Los Laureles]