Viva la Música Returns to SeaWorld Orlando with Latin Music, Food and Culture

Viva la Música has returned to SeaWorld Orlando, offering up great music, tasty cuisine, and plenty of Latin culture, on select Saturdays in April and May.

I attended a media preview this week, which allowed me to sample a variety of the food offerings from the festival, and everything was delicious!

Seaworld Orlando’s Executive Chef Hector Colon has put together a sampling of authentic dishes that will satisfy fans of Latin cuisine. Traditional dishes like Sorullitos (Caribbean-style polenta sticks), Piononos (sweet plantain stuffed with seasoned ground beef), Pinchos (skewered grilled meat), and Tripletas (a sandwich made with roast pork, chicken, steak and cheese topped with potato sticks and a special sauce), will be availabe for guests to enjoy. For the more adventurous eaters, Morcilla (a Latin American blood sausage) will also be on the menu.

And don’t forget the sweets, which include guava and cheese pastries and Piraguas (shaved ice with tropical flavors).

Chef Colon took a break to talk with us about the festival and the dishes he has chosen for this year’s Viva la Música:

If you eat too much, not to worry. SeaWorld Orlando has you covered with concerts by some of the hottest Latin music artists, starting at 3pm at Bayside Stadium. On April 23, Latin Grammy-winner Victor Manuelle will be performing. The following two Saturdays have yet to be announced.

DJ’s will also be spinning music to dance to, or watch the professional dancers show off their dance moves.

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be small shops with original merchandise inspired by local artisans and artists, as well as the Viva la Música garden offering seating and Domino tables to relax for a bit.

All this is in addition to the animal zones and thrill rides offered by the park. During the media event, I got to meet and learn more about a wonderful animal ambassador, a falcon named Olive:

Viva la Música starts at noon on April 23, May 7, and May 14. It’s included with regular park admission, however guests can purchase upgrades:

• The Food Sampler Package offers five samples of select dishes, and 15% off all food and drink purchases along the pathway for $25.
• The Floor Seating Package offers a reserved concert floor seat for that day’s headliner starting at $15.
• The Food Sampler + Front Row Seating Package offers one front row seat to SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva la Música concert plus the food sampler valid for up to five food samples starting at $45

For more information on Viva la Música or to purchase tickets and upgrades, visit seaworldorlando.com.