Alegría! Latin American Cultures
A Pathways Series event celebrating the richness of Latin American culture, creativity and community.
Spend a day at the hottest event of the summer! A line-up of folk dance, storytelling, music and food, plus drums from multiple cultures answering the question: how do we celebrate the rhythms of life? Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru and more will be represented in this festive Latin showcase for all ages. Orquesta Son Romero will close out the day on a high note with their 14-piece band.
August 23, 2026
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Folk Dancing
- Food
- Kids’ Activities
- Marketplace
- Heartbeats: Drums from Four Cultures
- Concert: Orquesta Son Romero (14-piece salsa band)
- Event activities are included with paid admission to the Garden, with the exception of cultural food boxes and children’s activity add-ons.
- Admission to the Garden is free to Garden Members.See activity descriptions below.
Note: FOOD BOX ADVANCE ORDERS ARE NOW CLOSED. Advance orders for cultural food boxes is closed. Limited numbers of boxes may be available during the event. There will also be food trucks on site for food and beverage.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Event runs rain or shine.
- For your comfort, bring your folding chair, sunhat and dress for the weather.
- Advance reservations recommended for Cultural Food Boxes and Children’s Activities as these will book quickly.
- No refunds unless the Garden cancels due to extreme weather situations.
Alegría! is presented in partnership with the El Salvador Cultural Association of Edmonton.
Alegría! EVENT SCHEDULE
Event runs from 2-8 p.m.
(schedule is subject to change)
2:00 p.m. Opening & Welcome
2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Children's Activity - Latin American Storytime
2:15 - 5:00 p.m. Folklore Dancing
- Ritmos Del Peru
- Sangre Morena - Mexico - Singing & Dance
- Herencia Colombiana Folk Dance
- Sabrosura Dance Team (Salsa)
- Ecuadorian Aymara Nuca Llacta Dancers
- Kej (Deer) Collective - Guatemala
- Casa Tango - Argentina
- Venezualan Dance YEG
3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Children's Activity - Butterflies of Latin America
4:00 - 4:50 p.m. - Children's Activity - Make Your Own Maraca
5:20 p.m. Heartbeats: Drums from Four Cultures
5:50 p.m. Sabrosura Salsa Performance
6:00-6:15 p.m. Dominican Society - Merengue Dancers
6:15 p.m. Orquesta Son Romero (14-piece salsa band) - Closing Concert
CULTURAL FOOD BOXES
La Boca Loca is a small family-run Latin restaurant in South Edmonton, who started by selling their salsas and empanadas at the Strathcona Farmers Market over 15 years ago and eventually took the next step and opened a restaurant. With a wish to represent more than Chilean food and the best of Latin America, they don't just cover a country -- they cover a continent, representing the true flavours of Latin cuisine.
Advance orders are now closed. However, La Boca Loca will also have a limited number of Peruvian Ceviche and Empanada boxes available for purchase during the event, while supplies last.
La Boca Loca Menu Options
Box 1 - $25 + tax
- Peruvian Ceviche - Ceviche Peruano Tradicional
- Thinly sliced Red Snapper that is cured in lime juice and spices and served with red onions, corn, cilantro, cancha and tortillas chips and 1 drink (Inka Cola or Jarritos)
Box 2 - $20 + tax
- Empanada Box
- 1 Chilean Beef Empanada
- 1 Chilean Chicken Empanada
- 1 Colombian Beef Empanada
- 1 Colombian Chicken Empanada
- Pebre (traditional salsa)
- 1 drink (Inka Cola or Jarritos)
Box 3 - $20 + tax
- Gluten Free Empanada Box
- 1 Colombian Beef Empanada
- 1 Colombian Chicken Empanada
- 1 Colombian Cheese Empanada
- Pebre (traditional salsa)
- 1 drink (Inka Cola or Jarritos)
MORE FOOD!
Other food options will also be available for purchase during the event:
- Monkey y sus Amigos Dessert food truck (ice cream)
- El Quetzalito Guatemalan food truck (tacos)
- Sips by Lola non-alcoholic mojitos and beverages
- Calle México Mexican Food Truck - tacos
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. Latin American Story Time & Activity
Children and their parents will enjoy an interactive reading experience featuring a children's book that celebrates Latin American culture, traditions, or folklore. A themed activity will follow the story. Free. Register in advance.
3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Butterflies of Latin America – Tissue Paper Craft
Children will create colorful butterfly artwork inspired by the vibrant butterflies found throughout Latin America. This hands-on craft encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and an appreciation for the beauty of nature and culture. $10. Register in advance.
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Rhythm of Latin America – Make Your Own Maraca
Children will create their own maracas using beans and craft materials while learning about the importance of percussion instruments in Latin American music. Participants will have the opportunity to explore rhythm through a fun and interactive musical activity. $10. Register in advance.
- Limited to 20 children per activity. Parents/guardians are welcome to help.
- Children’s activity add-ons are in addition to Garden admission.
HEARTBEATS: Drums from Four Cultures
A cross-cultural exchange in the language of traditional drums, in the spirit of the Pathways Event Series: creating friendship and understanding between cultures.
Featuring:
- Clint Pahtaykan (Indigenous Hand Drum)
- Kita no Taiko Drummers (Japan)
- Anil Kumar and Alishan Narula - Dholak, Dhol, Tabla (Indian Subcontinent)
- Daniel and Jimmy Romero - Conga, Bongo, Timbales (Latin American)
MARKETPLACE
Visit the Marketplace for art, jewelry, embroidery, clothing, handicrafts, beauty products, cultural wares and information!
- Chilean Canadian Cultural Society - Edmonton
- Mi Gente Canada Foundation
- Dominican Society of Edmonton
- Mujeres Omega Foundation
- Mexcanart
- Tunal y Metzti plus Art by Celia
- I love mx
- Cosmetic Brazil
- MM Bohemian Butterfly Designs
- Herenica Colombia
- Latin American Services Association
- El Salvador Cultural Association of Edmonton plus Stoney Beads and Painter Angelina Flores
CONCERT: ORQUESTA SON ROMERO
Edmonton's vibrant 14-piece Latin sensation!
Bringing the heat with a mix of salsa, bachata, cumbia, merengue, and more, Orquesta Son Romero will close out day's festivities with a concert that will get you on your feet!
The Pathways Series of events creates routes to understanding between cultures through art, music, food, performance, workshops and talking together, in the beautiful setting of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.
The Pathways Series is supported by
