Mary in Vancity

This summer, Vancouver comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Latin America. From July 11 to 13, Carnaval del Sol returns to Jonathan Rogers Park for its 17th year. It’s the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, and it promises three days of music, food, soccer, and culture.

Organized by Latincouver, the festival is a vibrant celebration of Latin American heritage. This year’s theme is Embrace Our Passion, Celebrate Together—and there’s something for everyone.

New for 2025: Sport Plaza

Latin America’s love for soccer takes centre stage. The new Sport Plaza features:

• Street soccer matches
• Skill challenges
• Fan zones
• Appearances by Latin American consulates and Canadian officials

With Vancouver set to host a global tournament in 2026, this is a preview of what’s to come.

Filipino BC Partnership

This year, Carnaval del Sol proudly partners with Filipino BC to honour cultural connection and community resilience. The collaboration includes:

• Filipino vendors and artists
• Filipino food
• A 50/50 draw supporting victims of the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy in Vancouver

Festival Highlights

Main Stage – Plaza del Sol
Over 160 performers showcase Latin music from across the Americas. From hip-hop and pop to samba and reggae, you’ll hear artists like Boogát, Lussilia, Tren al Sur, and Entangados.

SHE LATINA Plaza
A space that celebrates Latina entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders. Events include:

• Wellness activities
• Cultural workshops
• Networking and storytelling sessions
• A vibrant pop-up market

Family, Seniors, and Kids Plazas
There’s something for every generation:

• Seniors can enjoy games, Zumba, and workshops
• Families can watch folk dancing, mariachi, and youth performers
• Kids can learn about Latin culture through music, crafts, and costumes in the Chiquitzin Kids Plaza

Food Plaza
Explore Latin America one dish at a time. Over 20 vendors will serve:

• Tacos
• Pupusas
• Ceviche
• Empanadas
• Rotisserie pig
  Each dish offers a taste of Latin American tradition.

Beer Plaza
Dance the night away with DJ sets and cold drinks from Granville Island Brewing and Sol. Saturday night’s La Hora Despechada is the festival’s peak energy moment.

More Than a Festival

Carnaval del Sol is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of community, identity, and culture. Throughout July, other cultural events will take place across Vancouver. But the main festival weekend is the one you don’t want to miss.

Tickets start at $12 for general admission. Kids and seniors get in free. VIP options are also available.

🎟️ Visit carnavaldelsol.ca/tickets for more info and to buy tickets.

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