It’s five days to go before Carnaval del Sol, the biggest Latin fiesta in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland.

Taking place on July 9 and July 10 at the Concord Pacific Place, Carnaval del Sol caps this year’s Latin American Week.

The 10-day Latin festivities started on July 1, when members of the Latino community joined the Canada Day parade in downtown Vancouver.

On the same day, a white-themed party called Fiesta Blanca was held at the Lux Lounge.

The Latin American Week picks up Monday (July 4) with the opening of an aboriginal art exhibit featuring Latin American and Canadian artists. The show runs until July 8 at the Waterfall Building (1540 West 2nd Avenue).

On Tuesday (July 5), a Latin American film night will present two films at The Cinematheque (1131 Howe Street). These are The Amazing Catfish, a film from Mexico, and The Mystery of Happiness, which was made in Argentina.

A trova fest, featuring music and poetry, will be held on Friday (July 7) at Tom Lee Music (929 Granville Street).

Latin American Week is a project of the Latincouver Cultural and Business Society.

Paola Murillo, the group’s executive director and founder, said at a media conference last month that organizers she expects 80,000 to 100,000 people at the Carnaval del Sol this weekend.