Festival Latino

Festival Latino, is a free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community with two days of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.

Schedule:

11AM - DJ Cale
DJ Cale, born in Honduras and raised in Queens, has been serving the Latino community in Columbus for over 20 years. He owns The Cave Bar and Lounge, a multicultural hub for music enthusiasts. Known for his empathy and passion for music, DJ Cale was named the first “Padrino” of The Hispanic Heritage Parade 2023 by the city of Columbus.

1:15PM - Ale Almanza
Ale Almanza is originally from Santa Marta, Colombia and comes from a family of artists, where she was instilled with a love for the sounds of her land since she was a little girl. After living in Mexico she settled in Columbus, where she has become a benchmark of Latin music. This year she received the Musical Artist of the Year award at the Hispanic Business Awards. She is currently promoting her latest unreleased single, “Adivina Que” with accordionist Maireth Zambrano.

2PM - Carlos Rubio – Salsa Lessons
Take a salsa dance lesson from "The Salsa King of Ohio." Carlos Rubio is an instructor at the Salsamante Dance Academy and Ohio’s all-time winning-est salsa dancer.

2:45PM - Chupeta de Ajo, Tributo al Rock en Espanol
Columbus-based Venezuelan singer, songwriter, and musician Víctor Zancudo is a longtime local performer with a variety of bands. His latest, Chupeta de Ajo, is a rock group covering Spanish-language rock songs by bands from Venezuela and beyond.

3PM - Salsamante Dance Academy
Salsamante Dance Academy has been teaching Salsa, Bachata & Cha Cha Chá in the Columbus, Mid-Ohio area for 12 years now. Lead by Carlos Rubio – Salsa King of Ohio. The high energy and rhythm that Salsamante brings will always make the Festival Latino more memorable.

4:15PM - La Nueva Estrategia
Formed in 2016 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, La Nueva Estrategia continues to reach new audiences thanks to its songs that cover fresh themes and always with a unique touch, including hits such as "Lo dice el corazon" and "Amores van y vienen" The band’s 2024 tour of the United States and Mexico is in support of its latest album, Parradeando con La Nueva Estrategia.

5PM - El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
Toledo-based dance company El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico (The Heart of Mexico) will demonstrate the beauty and charm of traditional Mexican dances.

6:30PM - Tony Vega
Puerto Rico - Salsa
With a career spanning several decades, Tony Vega has solidified his place as a prominent figure in the Latin music scene. Vega has released numerous albums as a soloist, each showcasing his distinctive vocal style and infectious rhythms. His music is characterized by its energetic beats, soulful melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, earning him acclaim from audiences around the world. He continues to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances and remains a beloved icon in the world of salsa, leaving an indelible mark on the Latin music landscape.