Just north of Del Ray with its tiny boutiques and pricey bungalows is another Mt. Vernon Avenue and Arlandria or Chirlagua, as it is known by those who live there.

Named for a Department in El Salvador, the summer streets ring with a blend of Spanish and African dialects and languages spoken in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On Sunday, Alexandria’s most culturally diverse neighborhood dressed itself up and shared its food, music and uniqueness with the world. The Arlandria/Chirlagua Festival brought thousands of visitors to the City to enjoy a side of Alexandria that many didn’t know about.

Here, an organic market, a destination restaurant where presidents eat, the City’s only venue for live performances by national and international stars live in harmony with the Tenants and Workers United Community Center, the Alexandria Union Taxicab Company and the 24-hour Express.

click here to view an audio slideshow:
http://www.timespapers.com/slideshows/Chirilagua/