FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT IS CELEBRATING ITS 27TH YEAR
Festival Latino—the largest Latin event in Ohio and marking its 27th year in 2024—is a two-day, free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community. Produced by CAPA, Festival Latino 2024 will be held at Genoa Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, from 11 am to 8 pm daily. Festivalgoers can enjoy an entertainment lineup that includes national headliners and local artists, food, children’s activities, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.
Festival Latino is presented by Honda and the Fiesta Stage is sponsored by Nationwide. Festival Latino also enjoys support from American Electric Power Foundation, the City of Columbus, Dr. Pepper/Pepsi, Downtown Columbus, Inc, Kemba Financial Credit Union, Jet’s Pizza, Verizon Wireless, and Abbott Laboratories. Other supporting sponsors of Festival Latino 2024 include Educational Solutions Company, ADAMH, Bath & Body Works, JP Morgan Chase, the Columbus Clippers, Columbus Public Health, Designer Brands/DSW, Huntington National Bank, Installed Building Products, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, McDonald's, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University Department of Spanish & Portuguese, and Universal Windows Direct.
EXPANDED FESTIVAL FOOTPRINT
For 2024, Festival Latino is expanding across the Rich Street bridge. Thanks to our partners at Downtown Columbus Inc., new activities will be held on the bridge (see FestivalLatino.net for full details). This also opened up space to help meet the growing demand for more sponsors, community resources, and food and market vendors.
FIESTA STAGE, SPONSORED BY NATIONWIDE
Saturday, August 10
11 am—Derek Amaya
Derek Amaya, born in Honduras and raised in Queens, has been serving the Latino community in Columbus for over 20 years. He owns The Cave Bar & Lounge, a multicultural hub for music enthusiasts. Known for his empathy and passion for music, Derek was named the first “Padrino” of The Hispanic Heritage Parade 2023 by the city of Columbus.
1:15 pm—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.
2:45 pm—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.
4:15 pm—La Nueva Estrategia
Mexico - Regional Mexican
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 corazón" 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.
6:30 pm—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.
Sunday, August 11
11 am—Derek Amaya
Derek Amaya, born in Honduras and raised in Queens, has been serving the Latino community in Columbus for over 20 years. He owns The Cave Bar & Lounge, a multicultural hub for music enthusiasts. Known for his empathy and passion for music, Derek was named the first “Padrino” of The Hispanic Heritage Parade 2023 by the city of Columbus.
1:15 pm—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.
2:45 pm—Romero Norteño
Romero Norteño 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.
4:15 pm—Brenda K. Starr
United States – Salsa
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.
6:30 pm—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.
DANCE PLAZA, SPONSORED BY PEPSI/DR. PEPPER
Saturday, August 10
2 pm—Salsa Lessons with Carlos Rubio
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.
3 pm—Salsamante Dance Academy
Enjoy salsa performances from instructors and students of Columbus’ first and only salsa dance studio.
5 pm—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.
Sunday, August 11
1 pm—El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
2 pm—Salsa Lessons with Carlos Rubio
3 pm—Salsamante Dance Academy
4 pm—El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
