Providence's beloved Festival Latinoamericano is returning to Kennedy Plaza this summer for what organizers are billing as the biggest celebration in the event's 25-year history. The three-day festival, scheduled for the last weekend of July, will feature live music from across Latin America, authentic food from dozens of vendors, cultural performances, and family activities.

A Quarter Century of Celebration

The Festival Latinoamericano was founded in 2000 by a coalition of Latin community organizations who wanted to create a public celebration of the culture and contributions of Providence's Latin residents. What began as a one-day event in a church parking lot has grown into one of the premier cultural festivals in New England, drawing more than 50,000 visitors over its three days.

This Year's Highlights

The 2025 festival will feature:

**Music**: A main stage lineup that includes salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and reggaeton performances by artists from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Mexico. Saturday night's headliner will be announced in June.

**Food**: More than 40 food vendors representing the full spectrum of Latin American cuisine, from Mexican tacos and Guatemalan tamales to Dominican mofongo and Peruvian ceviche.

**Cultural Performances**: Traditional dance troupes, folkloric music ensembles, and theatrical performances representing cultures from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

**Family Zone**: Activities for children including arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, and educational exhibits about Latin American history and culture.

**Artisan Market**: More than 60 artisan vendors selling handmade goods, art, jewelry, and crafts from Latin American artisans.

Free Admission

As in previous years, the festival is free and open to the public. Organizers ask that attendees consider making a donation to support the Latin community organizations that make the event possible.

"This festival is our gift to Providence — a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and what we contribute to this city and state." — Festival Director Carmen Rodríguez