Liverpool will host a vibrant festival of Latin American arts and culture this September.
With a programme of music, dance, storytelling, street arts and more from the rich diversity of the Latin American continent, LA FERIA is set to take over a variety of city centre venues as part of the unique celebration.
A launch event will take place at the Unity Theatre on Wednesday 20th September, which includes performances from MC Millaray, a rising rap star from Chile. The sixteen-year-old’s songs decry environmental injustices and call for the return of ancestral lands.
The launch night will also feature Victor Rios‘ powerful and comic one man show “How British Are You?”, which tells the story of life as a Bolivian living in the UK.
The following night at the Unity Theatre, Thursday 20th September, sees Andean Latin Afro groove fusion band, Lokandes take the stage, along with Magaly Flores – a performer who preserves her identity through Mexican dance, embracing the cultural heritage her predecessors left her.
Colombian salsa champion, Daniela Rodriguez features on the Thursday night at the Unity, giving the Liverpool audience a chance to see why she has toured with J-Lo as well as being crowned Folklore Dance Queen five times and called upon to represent Colombia in competitions across the world.
The evening will also feature local favourites Capoeira For All as well as commissioned artists from Bolivia, Spain and Liverpool collaborating to create a fusion dance piece that represents their roots and the journeys of migrants from all over the world that have come and made Liverpool their home.
Ahead of the festival main events, an exhibition of Latin American women who through their art, music, writing and activism have inspired the people of Latin America and beyond, will open at St George’s Hall. Inspiring Latin American Women in Art and Activism will be open for all to view from 6th September to 6th October.
The incomparable ‘Voice of Tango’ Martin Alvarado from Buenos Aires will join the festival lineup for a show at the Philharmonic Music Room on the evening of Friday 22nd September. Alongside the talented Gerardo Villar & Los Aguirre guitar quartet, Martin will share the authentic sound of old Buenos Aires, with added 21st-century flair.
The night will also feature Bandita La Inquieta from Chile – an all-female quartet that creates unique performances through dance, the arts and the environment. The group will also put on a special performance at 12:30pm on the Friday at the Museum of Liverpool Life for those wanting a sample of the evening’s entertainment.
For those wanting to experience the best food, drink and art that Latin America has to offer, A Taste of Latin America, on Saturday 23rd September, will see a free family day of stalls and workshops fill District in the Baltic Triangle, whilst attendees enjoy performances by dance groups from Ecuador and Bolivia, and music from bands Mestisa and Bandita La Inquieta.
Then in the evening, the venue will host an explosive finale to La Feria, featruring the hypnotic rhythms and melodies of the Mexican & Colombian Electronic Cumbia outfit Mambe & Danochilango with support from Roxy & Toby – an accomplished Latin duo who first crossed paths in Liverpool – and renowned Chilean DJ and music producer, Cidtronyck.
Liverpool-based Luma Creations, who have organised the festival, are also putting on a community tour to bring Latin American arts to communities across the city region, ensuring people who have not seen or experienced the rich diversity of Latin America’s arts & culture have a chance to do so in their own spaces.
Francisco Carrasco, Creative Director of Luma Creations said: “LA FERIA 2023 promises to be exciting and thought provoking, and may be the best one yet. The Latin American community has worked hard to become visible, striving to be recognised as a community that has given much to the UK, and we present our festival showcasing the wealth and breadth of Latin America, its culture and its people.“
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “La Feria is a true celebration of diversity and unity, bringing people together with an eclectic programme, which is an incredible visual and audio spectacular for everyone involved. It is one of our 28 funded arts organisations, and we’re proud to support the festival and the incredible way in which it showcases Latin American culture.”
LA FERIA will take place across city centre venues in Liverpool this September. For all the latest information and ticket links head to lumacreations.org.
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