By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The 16th Latin American Festival brought colour, rhythm and flavour to Low Yat Park in Bukit Bintang today, celebrating the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Malaysia and Latin America.

Organised by the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Embassies (GRULAC) in Malaysia comprising Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay together with Plaza Low Yat, The Federal Hotel, and the Latin Women’s Association in Malaysia, the annual event has become a fixture in Kuala Lumpur’s cultural calendar.

The festival was held with the support of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and sponsorship from Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Bluestar AMG, and the Malaysian Red Crescent.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Dean of GRULAC and Peruvian Ambassador H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales said the festival symbolises the friendship and unity between Malaysia and the Latin American region.

“Reaching its landmark 16th edition, the Latin American Festival is already a traditional and consolidated event in the cultural calendar of Kuala Lumpur. The number of visitors grows every year, and those who attend always look forward to the next year’s celebration,” he said.

Ambassador Morote also expressed appreciation to DBKL and the festival’s sponsors, noting that the event reflected the spirit of Malaysia’s MADANI values namely unity, care and inclusivity.

The festival featured a rich lineup of performances, including the tango of Argentina, milonga of Uruguay, Brazilian jazz, Mexican folk dances, Peruvian Andean music, and Cuban salsa, alongside traditional Malaysian performances.

Each embassy hosted its own booth, offering traditional food and beverages that showcased the culinary diversity of Latin America.

Proceeds from the festival were donated to two charitable organisations: MyKasih Foundation, which supports women’s empowerment through the provision of modern sewing machines, and Persatuan Membantu Orang Kelainan Upaya, which aids the visually impaired through the “1 Blind 1 Cane” project.

A special raffle also offered visitors the chance to win a round-trip economy ticket to São Paulo or Buenos Aires, courtesy of Ethiopian Airlines, and other prizes sponsored by Plaza Low Yat.

Ambassador Morote concluded his address by emphasising that the festival was more than just an annual gathering:

“This festival is a milestone in what we can achieve by intertwining Latin American cultures to create a multicultural community. May today’s celebration strengthen the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Latin America, and remind us of what we can achieve when we come together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.”

Now in its 16th year, the Latin American Festival continues to serve as a testament to Malaysia’s growing ties with Latin America forming a bridge of culture, compassion and cooperation connecting both regions.