The vibrant flavours, sounds, and traditions of Latin America return as Carnaval del Sol, makes its debut at a new location at Jonathan Rogers Park, Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7. The largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, fills the new Mount Pleasant venue for three-days of cultural celebration.
Organizer, Latincouver — a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Latin American culture in British Columbia — promises an entertaining and lively line up including:
Friday, July 5, 2024: Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party at the Granville Island Beer Plaza at Jonathan Rogers Park (adults 19+)
Start the celebrations by dancing the night away at the Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party! Headliner DJ Gambeat y la Grooving Familia, visits from France with an electric performance that combines the genres of reggae, salsa, dub, and cumbia. An exciting lineup follows, with guest performers DJ Hera, and DJ La Zonida. Vancouver Pride Society presents dazzling drag shows by Mya, Malandro, and Visa (a Mexican drag queen known for competing on the third season of Drag Race España). Keep your energy up with delicious empanadas and churros (available for purchase), and raise a toast with a limited-edition Carnaval del Sol cerveza crafted by Granville Island Brewing.
Tickets from $25 (online in advance) can be purchased here.
Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7, 2024: Carnaval del Sol at Jonathan Rogers Park (all ages)
The weekend is of flavour, rhythm, and creativity. Find the diverse talents and influences that make Latin America shine with over 50 immersive activities and 11 distinct plazas around Jonathan Rogers Park.
The Mucho Burrito Plaza del Sol (Main Plaza) hosts live performances and concerts by acclaimed artists like Ivonne Ley (a Selena tribute artist), La Linea (playing salsa, meringue, bachata, and reggaeton), and Chesca (visiting from Puerto Rico).
At the Food Plaza, guests can taste more than 30 authentic dishes from 20 diverse Latin American countries, including: Mexico; Peru; Colombia; Venezuela; Brazil; Chile; Guatemala; El Salvador; Spain; and Portugal. Look forward to trying new and familiar favourites, like: empanadas; tacos; arepas; tequenõs; paella; and much more.
New this year, The Ascenda Indigenous Plaza immerses guests into the roots of salsa, cumbia, and other traditional Latin American dances through insightful discussions and unforgettable performances.
The Cabrón Cocktail Plaza offers guests a new area to unwind and imbibe, with a selection of tequila-based canned cocktails crafted by Cabrón, one of the festival sponsors.
One- and two-day passes are on sale now, kids under 12 and seniors 65+ are free with registration. VIP Experience Pass includes access to the Culinary Experience Plaza (with live chef demos), fast-track access to the Beer Plaza, an invitation to the VIP Plaza (where cocktail tastings, private washrooms and optimal main stage views are available) plus other perks.
For tickets and the full Carnaval del Sol lineup visit carnavaldelsol.ca.