Attending La Feria 2024 was an exhilarating experience, again. Over the course of a week, Liverpool was transformed into a bustling showcase of Latin American culture, filled with music, dance, theatre, and vibrant street events. It wasn’t just a festival – it was a journey into the heart of Latin America. Having attended several festivals before, I can confidently say that this one was particularly special.
The experience started with the Reclama Exhibition at St George’s Hall, which explored the rich heritage of Afro-descendant and Black women from Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. The exhibition was a powerful reminder of how culture and tradition shape identity, and the themes of spirituality, food, and aesthetics were beautifully presented. It was an amazing way to begin the festival, offering a glimpse into an often-overlooked aspect of Latin American history.
One of the festival’s highlights was the play “REWIND” by Ephemeral Ensemble, staged at The Bluecoat. The performance was visually stunning, blending puppetry, music, and movement to tell the compelling story of Alicia’s resistance against authoritarianism. The lighting and choreography were masterful, creating an atmosphere that pulled the audience into the story.
The live music performances were another unforgettable aspect of the festival. At the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall where Nano Stern and Marta Gomez perform. Nano’s mix of folk, jazz, and rock was nothing short of mesmerizing, while Marta’s soulful voice, blending Latin-American rhythms with jazz. They create a palpable energy for an extraordinary evening of music.
The next night’s performance by Hamilton de Holanda was equally impressive. Hamilton’s command of his instrument was awe-inspiring, and his improvisations seemed to transcend genres. His connection with the audience was undeniable, making this performance one of the most memorable of the festival.
The Latin American Street Fiesta on Castle Street was a completely different vibe but equally fantastic. It was so much fun watching the Colibri Mexican Folkloric Dance Group, whose colorful costumes and expressive dances brought so much joy to the crowd. The performances by local and national musicians were equally engaging, and I loved how everyone—audience included—joined in for group dances. The whole street felt alive with rhythm and laughter.
And, after that, Fiesta Latina took place at District, where I danced the night away to the hypnotic beats of Lokandes Tropical and DJ Jose Luis. If you love to dance, this was the place to be. The psychedelic cumbia fusion was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and it kept the crowd moving until the early hours.
The final event I attended was A Taste of Latin America at Sefton Park’s Palm House. This free community day was such a relaxed and enjoyable way to end the festival. The Palm House, with its stunning Victorian glasshouse, was the perfect setting. Musicians and dancers from all over Latin America filled the space with their lively performances, and the food was once again a highlight. The energy was contagious, I was absolutely mesmerized.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Valeria Cazas, one of the key figures in Liverpool’s Latin dance scene and a performer at La Feria. Originally from Bolivia, Valeria shared how dance had been an integral part of her life since childhood. She explained that in Bolivia, they grow up learning various folk dances and that dancing is a part of every family gathering. Upon arriving in Liverpool at the age of 12, she discovered salsa, thanks to friends from Costa Rica and Colombia who introduced her to the dance. Together, they formed a dance group and performed across the North West, a time Valeria recalls with nostalgia.
When asked about the dance styles she feels most connected to, Valeria mentioned that while she enjoys Cuban and Colombian salsa, she has recently been drawn to Caporales, a traditional Bolivian dance. Her passion for promoting Latin culture in Liverpool became evident when she discussed the importance of La Feria, which she considers a significant opportunity for Latin Americans to celebrate their culture, heritage, and music.
Valeria is now committed to giving back to the community by teaching Latin American folk dances at Luma Creations, where they have started offering free classes every Wednesday to encourage people to learn. Her goal is to pass on her skills and knowledge to as many people as possible.
When asked about Liverpool’s response to Latin dance compared to other cities, Valeria expressed her pride, noting that people in Liverpool genuinely love Latin culture. They enjoy the music and dance, often giving positive feedback on performances, and she remarked on the unique level of appreciation they receive from Liverpudlians. She also took a moment to express her gratitude to Luma Creations and its founder, Francisco Carrasco, acknowledging that she wouldn’t be who she is today without them. She credited Francisco for providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents and expressed how much she owes to his vision.
So, on that note I take the chance to deeply express my gratitude to them as well, to Valeria for her time and for all the people behind and scene and for the people who attended and supported the festival.
Overall, La Feria 2024 was an incredible celebration of Latin American culture. From the deeply moving theatre performances to the lively street festivals and awe-inspiring music, the festival offered something for everyone. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of art and culture to bring people together. As Valeria Cazas said, “La Feria is a festival not to be missed,” and after my experience, I wholeheartedly agree.
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