FLAMENCO-skirted women, Brazilian drummers and staff from the Colombian Embassy joined in the Latin-style celebrations in York at the weekend during the city's Fiesta Latina.

The colourful celebrations, organised by the United Traders of The Quarter, continued well into the night as the barmen in the Slug and Lettuce bar donned matador outfits and everyone joined in the dancing in the streets.

Colombian singer Toto La Momposina, most famed for her part in the Buena Vista Social Club band, entertained the crowds by singing alongside her daughter and granddaughter during a two-hour set.

A Brazilian 18-piece Samba band was also on hand along with an eight-piece Salsa band with musicians from Cuba, Italy, Columbia and London.

The Colombian ambassador was due to attend the event but got called away on urgent business so Olga Gonzalez, the embassy's publicity manager, came instead.

Magdalena Chavez, owner of El Piano, and a member of the United Traders of The Quarter, said: "It's been very busy, very popular and very relaxed and full of all age groups, shapes and sizes.

"There has been lots of dancing in the streets and it's been extremely well received by residents and traders in the area.

"Latin people have been in this city since Roman times and it's great to have an opportunity to celebrate so many connections between these people."

Updated: 09:15 Monday, July 09, 2001