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.

1PM - 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..

1:15PM - Golpe de Estado
Golpe de Estado is a young and modern band that excels in the subgenre of “tumbado,” a vibrant offshoot of the broad Mexican regional genre. Since their formation, Golpe de Estado has been dedicated to creating music that resonates with audiences, blending traditional regional Mexican sounds with contemporary influences. They recently released their debut single, “Hipnotizado,” which is available on all digital platforms and has been met with enthusiastic acclaim.

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 - Romero Norteno
Romero Norteno has captivated audiences across the Midwest with their dynamic performances and authentic sound. The band was founded in 2010 by a father and son duo, sharing the Romero surname, whose deep-rooted passion for traditional Mexican music laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated musical ensemble. The band’s unique sound is characterized by the traditional norteño instrumentation of accordion, bajo quinto, bass, and drums. Their rise to fame in the Columbus Spanish music scene is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to their craft.

3PM - Salsamante Dance Academy
Salsamante Dance Academy has been teaching Salsa, Bachata and 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.

4PM - 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.

4:15PM - Brenda K. Starr
A superstar in pop/R&B in the ’80s, with hits including the Grammy-nominated #1 Pop ballad “I Still Believe,” Brenda K. Starr has also become a superstar in Latin music. From her first Spanish-language album release Te Sigo Esperando, certificated Platinum by the RIAA, to her 2022 release Quedate, the singer has continued her career moving into her native Salsa roots.

6:30PM - Héctor Acosta "El Torito"
Dominican Republic - Merengue
Acosta, widely known as “El Torito,” is renowned for his versatility, effortlessly moving between genres such as merengue, bachata, and bolero. This adaptability has endeared him to a wide audience both in the Dominican Republic and internationally. Over the years, he has earned numerous awards and accolades, highlighting his contributions to Latin music. Beyond his musical achievements, Acosta is also known for his humanitarian efforts, often participating in charitable activities and advocating for social causes in his homeland.