Celebrating rhythm and diplomacy

THE vibrant Latin America Festival (LAF) 2025 was declared open at the count of “uno, dos, tres”.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Plaza Low Yat in Kuala Lumpur, the 16th edition of the event kicked off when the ambassadors and charges d’affaires from the Latin American and Caribbean embassies took to the “dance floor”.

They were accompanied by live Latin music performed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) orchestra troupe.

The ambassadors were Jaime Munoz Sandoval from Chile, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina from Mexico, Marta Laura Gabrieloni from Argentina, Yadira Ledesma Hernandez from Cuba and Daniella Ortega Menezes from Brazil.

The charge d’affaires from Uruguay, Mariela Machado, and Colombia, Juan Carlos Moreno Gutierrez, were also present.

Maimunah (eighth from left) and Canales (to her left) taking a group shot with ambassadors, charges d’affaires and event partners after the ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of Latin America Festival in Bukit Bintang. — Photos: LEONG WAI YEE/The Star

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who was guest of honour, joined in the festivities.

DBKL’s cultural troupe also showcased a medley of Malaysia’s dances, followed by tango and folk dances presented by the participating embassies.

By tea time, the area in front of the mall in Bukit Bintang was the scene of a happy street party with visitors dancing and mingling.

Dr Federica Antonia Pellegatti, a five-time LAF attendee, even invited Maimunah to dance with the ambassadors and charges d’affaires.

The Italian businesswoman, who has been residing in Malaysia for 16 years, said this year was special as the event coincided with her birthday.

“I chose to make a home in this city because it is open to different cultures,” said Pellegatti.

The event saw visitors jiving to lively music.

Caroline Teh, a friend from Pellegatti’s salsa and bachata dance group, was also present to enjoy the festivities.

“I always look forward to the performances.

“The festival is also where all the salsa groups in the city will come and dance,” said Teh.

In her speech, Maimunah said DBKL was proud to support an initiative that celebrated international friendship and cultural exchange in an inclusive and globally connected city.

She said LAF was the first programme to take off right after Kuala Lumpur had been declared a new member of the Unesco Creative Cities Network.

Enjoying a medley of Malaysia’s dances (right) performed by DBKL’s cultural troupe.

“Kuala Lumpur is proud to host this celebration as it brings together families and visitors from all corners of the world.

“Our city is shaped by many countries.

“We thrive not because we are the same, but because we celebrate what makes us unique.

“This spirit is what gives our capital its strength, beauty and global identity,” said Maimunah.

The festival is an annual event organised by Group of Latin American and Caribbean Embassies (Grulac), comprising Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, together with Plaza Low Yat, Federal Hotels International and Latin Women’s Association.

It also featured food and drinks sold at booths set up by the embassies.

Grulac dean and Peruvian ambassador Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales said that beyond the music and festivities, LAF was a celebration of compassion and solidarity.

“The proceeds will go to MyKasih Foundation, supporting women’s empowerment with the provision of modern sewing machines, as well as Persatuan Membantu Orang Kelainan Upaya to aid visually impaired individuals with the gift of walking canes,” he said.

Two airline companies also sponsored flight tickets for lucky draw winners.

Due to the festival’s popularity, DBKL, which has been supporting the event since 2014, has included next year’s LAF in its calendar of events in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.