Mariachi, alpaca and capoeira at the Festival of Latin America and the Caribbean in Moscow

The festival of Latin America and the Caribbean was held in the Hermitage Garden in Moscow on July 22-23. The festival was attended by more than 50,000 Muscovites and guests.

The official opening of the festival took place on the main stage of the Hermitage Garden. The Minister of the Government of Moscow, the Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow Sergei Cheremin and the Ambassadors of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Honduras and Ecuador delivered a welcoming speech.

Sergei Cheremin noted: “For many centuries Latin America has personified the richness of Indian, Spanish, African and other cultures, which have merged into a unique creation of diversity. The works of art presented at the Festival allow us to feel this diversity and learn about the life and multifaceted history of those lands. Our festival demonstrates that culture has no borders and is able to unite people around common values. We hope that it will become an incentive for the further development and deepening of friendly and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean”.

At the festival representatives of Latin American countries demonstrated their unique traditions and national characteristics. One of the key venues of the festival was the stage, where bright musical and dance performances of artists from Ecuador, Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba and other Latin American countries took place for two days. On the Dance Square, dozens of guests learned the movements of bachata, lambada, salsa, tango, rumba and merengue under the guidance of charismatic Latin American dancers. Bright and colorful decorations and photo zones of the festival created the atmosphere of a real Latin American holiday. Especially popular among the guests was a red retro convertible in the background of Old Havana. The guests of the festival had the opportunity to watch Brazilian capoeira wrestling masters and learn the basic movements by themselves. Live music performed by real Mexican Mariachi musicians, Peruvian Indians and other authentic artists was played all day in the gazebo of Street Music.

The colorful Latin American food court became the point of attraction of the festival. Here everyone could taste real Mexican tacos, quesadillas and tortillas, Ecuadorian fried bananas, Peruvian ceviche, Cuban fish soup, Colombian empanadas pies, chili con carne, fragrant Brazilian coffee, cocoa and chocolate from Venezuelan plantations and exotic fruits.

On the Street Art platform, the famous Colombian muralist Oscar Gonzalez, the Venezuelan artist, Bachelor of Fine Arts Julio Linares “Murdok” and other participants of the project “Russia – Latin America Street Art” created the magic of street art. Memorable images were created on giant cubes in real time with the help of bright colors, expressing the artists’ view of the world. The combination of abstract and realistic elements attracted the attention of all visitors.

The meeting with South American animals — llama and alpaca was a special amusement for the little guests of the festival, who could take a photo with animals and find out how they differ from each other.
Interesting lectures, exhibitions and presentations devoted to the history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean were also held at various venues of the festival.

Despite the rain at the end of the second day of the festival, the guests did not want to leave for a long time and danced right in the rain to the incendiary rhythms of famous hits performed by DJ Alejo from Colombia.

As the visitors noted, the atmosphere at the festival was like on the streets of Moscow during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. “There are so many people around, so many emotions and delight, everyone is smiling, dancing and feeling absolute happiness and unity in the air!” the guests commented.
Visitors to the Moskino Kosmos, Moskino Fakel and Moskino Muzeyny cinemas, where the festival screenings took place, were able not only to enjoy a good movie, but also to ask their questions to famous Latin American directors.

It’s important to mention that such projects are of great importance to society. They remind us that there is a power in friendship and cooperation that can overcome any differences. They inspire people to mutual respect and tolerance, showing that culture can really unite the world.
Festival website